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Hello, this is Lorelei Rutledge, with the ILEAD Utah Accessible Tutorials Team.
The following tutorial will discuss the best practices when working with patrons with visual impairments in libraries.
When greeting a patron who is blind or has low vision, greet them the same way that you would greet any other patron, telling them your name and asking them how you can help.
Let the patron know if you need to finish another question before you can work with them so that they don't think they're being ignored.
Hello, My name is Warren. Can I help you?
Sure. I was wondering if you could show me where I can use a computer which has JAWS and other accessibility software for visually impaired people.
Sure, let me just grab the key to the accessibility room, and I'll walk you right there.
If you need to move to get something for the patron, let them know that you are stepping away. If you are coming around the desk to walk with a patron, let him or her know where you are going.
Would you like me to take your arm? Um, yeah because I don't have a third hand.
When you are directing a patron, tell the patron what direction and how far away the area they want to find is. You can also direct using clock directions.
For example, "The restroom is about 15 feet away at three o'clock." Also, ask the patron if he or she would like you to take his or her elbow. Do not touch the patron without permission.
Okay, can you please help me to make sure that the computer is on, JAWS up, and the internet is available?
If the patron does not ask first, ask if he or she would like you to make sure that any specific software programs are open or devices are plugged in.
Also, make sure that you know what accessible technology is available to your patrons, in case they have questions.
There's a seat right here. Alright, let me move my cart. Thank you.
JAWS is up and running, and the computer is on and logged in. And the internet is available? The internet is. . . connected. Alright, thank you Warren.
No problem. Have a great day and let me know if you need any help. Sure.
Before you leave the patron, make sure he or she knows where tools, like the keyboard, are located in the room.
Also, make sure he or she feels comfortable navigating back to the reference desk.
If he or she does not, offer to come back in a specified amount of time to check in, if he or she would like you to do so.
By the way, are you going to shut the door? Yes.
Can you please leave it open a little bit? Okay. Thank you, Warren
When you leave, let the patron know that you are leaving the room. Check in about whether the patron would like the door left open or closed.
This is the ILEAD Utah Accessible Tutorials Team, and we would like to thank you again for watching our presentation about how to work with library patrons with visual disabilities. For more information, please visit our website at accessibletutorials.org