By Stephanie Smith
Talking computers and a Braille emitting printer are just a few of the resources available to students in the Special Services and Adaptive technology department of Ekstrom Library.
All students, whether they have hidden or visible disabilities, can benefit from the technology.
For students with ADD or a visual problem, there is a talking computer. The student places the textbook on a scanner, the computer puts the selected page on the screen, and then the computer reads the text aloud while highlighting the word being spoken.
Functions on the computer allow students to zoom in, change the voice of the computer, and increase or decrease the speed of the voice. The computer will say the letters that are being typed and will read what the screen says for those who cannot see. A dictionary is also available by pushing a button.
Other physical disabilities are given attention by Florence Merkel, head of the Special Services Department. “Some of them will come and say I can do my own research, but I can’t get the books from the shelf…”
Ms. Merkel is available to search through the books shelves for those who can’t maneuver through the tight spaces because of their wheelchairs and to help those who physically aren’t able to type.
The department works in conjunction with the Disability Resource Center, but many times students who don’t go to the Disability Center don’t know about the help that if offered. “We want them to know that there is help for them in the Services Department. You can have access to barriers to you getting the information. That’s primarily what I want to do.”
The program has been at the library for years, but Florence Merkel has only been here a few months. She is hoping that with the new technology she can help those students who need access to library information overcome their obstacles.
Her scheduled hours to help students are: Monday, Tuesday, and Friday 9-4; Wednesday 1-7; and Thursday 10-5, but she said, “I try to adapt my time so the students can come in any time.”
A phone call before arrival is appreciated. “Sometimes when they call on the phone I can develop a search strategy…and then when they come in I can talk to them about it. It’s like an information interview…so you can narrow it down to what they want.”
Her office is located on the first floor of the library in the Reference Department and she can be reached at fvmerk01@louisville.edu or at 852-8757.
“Maybe you don’t need this department, but maybe you know somebody that is blind, visually or physically impaired…it will give them a better chance.”
