Adult/Outreach Services of Southern Tier Library System...
REACHING OUT
with
Notes and News
Volume
19, Issue 2 Summer
2003
STLS
OUTREACH NEWS:
Ø
Budget Pinch: Like many tax-funded agencies,
public library systems are feeling the pinch of
·
Elimination of two positions: Kathy Burns our
Outreach Coordinator who worked so diligently to network with area agencies and
organizations, implemented our Outreach page on the STLS web site, undertook
many of our outreach continuing education workshops for libraries, and
developed our COSAC into a dynamic advocacy group for library services to
outreach populations, and Dorie Robinson whose cheerful good humor never
faltered as she rotated collection after collection to libraries, adult care
and correctional facilities.
·
Reduction in the number of rotating collections
received each year by program participants.
·
Elimination of delivery service to adult-care
facilities.
·
Freezing the purchase of materials for rotating
popular reading and video/DVD collections, the Outreach collection, and
the Descriptive Video collection.
·
Freezing the development of new multi-media
kits.
·
Reducing the number of Reaching Out issues from 6 to 4 per year and ceasing distribution
to clergy and physicians in the STLS area unless a specific request is received
to be included on the mailing list.
·
Elimination
of the Public Libraries Booth at the Allegany County Fair.
·
Elimination
of annual visits to area agencies and organizations and lessening of
participation in agency information fairs and presentations.
We continue to remain optimistic that with a rejuvenated economy, the
funding picture will improve and new and expanded services to outreach
populations will become possible. In the meantime, we are working with member
libraries to improve and streamline our methods of service delivery to allow
for increased awareness of services currently available and for future
expansion of those services.
Ø
Thank You! The response to our survey regarding use of Reaching
Out and suggestions for changes and improvements was most helpful. We are
reviewing your responses and planning for future changes. We are eagerly
planning to launch our new look in early 2004.
Ø
SIRSI Update: Also eagerly awaited is our new computer
system. We have finished our policy work, cleaned up our database, and are now
busily attaching the titles in each rotating collection to a collection name.
This will allow us to rotate 50 100-title collections automatically from one
library to another.
Ø
New Kits: 6 new Classic Read-Along kits designed to introduce struggling readers
to literary classics and improve reading comprehension are now available. Each
Classic Read-Along includes a book, a companion read-along audio tape, and a
study guide. Also new in our kit collection: CD-ROMs “Kid Pix Studio” and
“Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? Junior Detective Edition”; a new
addition to our multi-media kits: “U.S. Government” designed at the suggestion
of kit users to show how our government was formed and how it works; and a new
addition to the popular Remembering Bi-Folkal kits: “Remembering Spring.” To
borrow a kit and to see a full listing of available kits, check with the
librarian at your local library. Many libraries now have several kits on
long-term loan for the summer months. If your library has not yet taken
advantage of this opportunity to publicize this service, contact Roseanna
Harris in STLS Outreach Services.
Ø
Welcome New COSAC Members: STLS’s Coordinated Outreach Services
Advisory Council (COSAC) advises STLS on effective services for outreach
populations, advocates for libraries with their peers and colleagues, and
implements two outreach programs: the Outreach Mini-Grants funding local
library outreach pilot projects and the Grass Roots Awards recognizing
outstanding local library outreach service. Three new members have recently
joined COSAC:
§
Shirley
Callahan,
§
Cheryl
Czworka,
§
Daniel
Porter, Literacy Volunteers of
Ø Congratulations! The COSAC at its June 19th
meeting reviewed applications for 2003 Outreach Mini-Grants. In the first
funding cycle, Outreach Mini-Grants were awarded to:
§
Belmont
Free Library to introduce the community to descriptive, sign-language, closed
captioned, and communication how-to videos for persons with vision and hearing
disabilities.
§
Cuba
Circulating Library to provide rotating collections of large print and audio
books to residents of Cuba Hospital’s long-term care unit.
§
Wayland
Free Library to provide a series of 5 programs to help un/underemployed people
to re-tool and find employment and purchase materials to be used by program
participants.
The second funding cycle is currently underway to complete the 2003
Outreach Mini-Grant process.
Homeland Security Impacts
Americans with Disabilities: The
January 2003 issue of Reaching Out mentioned some of the challenges the
new airline security restrictions pose for amputees. "The 2001 Annual
National Disability Policy: A Progress Report” by the National Council on
Disability raises some additional issues homeland security is raising for the
54 million Americans with disabilities. Libraries developing disaster policies
will be particularly interested in the second issue outlined below.
o
Due to
a lack of captions, many persons who are deaf could not follow news reports
following the events of 9/11. If the emergency warning broadcast systems were
to issue “life-and death instructions” today, would the instructions be
accessible to persons unable to hear?
o
Evacuation
plans did not always include provisions to ensure persons with disabilities had
an equal opportunity to exit major buildings and facilities. If buildings or
facilities had to be evacuated today, would people who are blind have the means
of locating emergency exits? Would people in wheelchairs know “where to go and
what to do if elevators were turned off”? Would there be visual alarms to alert
persons who were deaf to the need to exit quickly? Would people with communication
disabilities be able to attract the attention of rescuers?
o
If a
nuclear facility were the target of a terrorist attack, would persons with
disabilities be reached by public health officials distributing potassium
iodide to protect against radiation contamination?
(NYS Developmental
Disabilities Planning Council DIGEST Spring 2003)
Accessibility Moves Beyond the
Ramp with Universal Design: With
the aging of the work force and with many baby boomers continuing to work
part-time, libraries are joining the trend in turning to universal design when
remodeling and rebuilding. “Universal design is any product or service designed
with many factors considered, including aesthetics, functional options,
environmental issues, safety concerns, and cost. Typically, products and
activities are designed for the average user… Universal design is the design of
products and environments usable by as many people as possible, with no or
limited adaptations.” The good news for public libraries is that many universal
design devices and designs which can make libraries more accessible for both
patrons and employees are low cost. Some suggestions:
o
Reorganize
work stations & computer stations so they are ergonomically correct. The
U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s web
site www.osha.gov has measurements
and suggestions.
o
Replace
door knobs with lever handles.
o
Replace
flip-style wall light switches with rocker switches.
o
Replace
faucet knob handles with lever styles.
o
Additional
accessibility guidelines and standards can be found at www.access-board.gov the web site of
The Access Board a federal agency committed to accessible design.
(Arthritis Today
5-6/2003 & The Computer Monitor Spring 2003)
Try Before You Buy: Raising children is hard enough but worrying
about whether strollers, car seats, etc., will be accessible to parents with
arthritis, a wheelchair, vision disabilities, etc., adds to the challenge. Trying
before buying can save both money and hassles. New Mobility (June 2003) reports
that Toys R Us is willing to allow persons with disabilities to try out kid
gear and provides helpful advice. For a list of Toys R Us stores, visit their
web site www.toyrus.com.
Out of Town Health
Emergencies: In our rural
area where people often travel to reach specialized medical care and in this
time of families spread out across the country, it is more than likely that you
may find yourself with a loved one hospitalized in a city away from your home.
The National Association of Hospital Hospitality Houses, Inc. (NAHHH) is “an
association of more than 150 non-profit organizations located throughout the
Stats & More Stats:
Children
with disabilities (2000 Census)
o
4.6% of
non-institutionalized American children ages 5-15 have a disability
o
1.2%
children have two or more disabilities
o
6.2% of
non-institutionalized children (5-15 yrs.) in
Older Adults (CDC)
o
By the
year 2030 there will be 71 million senior citizens in the
Persons in correctional facilities = persons with an educational
disadvantage (ADDitude)
o
About
82% of prisoners in state and federal prisons are high school dropouts.
Described Video Service
Growing: PBS has begun broadcasting Angelina
Ballerina and Dragon Tales with descriptions making them accessible
for young viewers with vision disabilities. Later this summer PBS will add Barney
& Friends and Sagwa, the Chinese Siamese Cat to its list of
programs with descriptions. The Media Access Group at WGBH is “working with the
home video distributors” of films currently described in videocassette format
to “encourage them to include the Descriptive Video Service (DVS) track on the
DVD release." Currently DVD producers are using the extra space on DVDs to
add special features and the challenge is to get the producers to save some of
that space for the DVS track. (DVS Guide Summer/Fall 2003) STLS owns a
large number of DVS tapes for loan. Contact your local STLS public library or
Outreach Services at STLS to interlibrary loan DVS titles.
Children’s Braille Book Club: Each month the National Braille Press (NBP)
publishes a print-braille children’s book for pre-school through third grade.
Priced at $4.95 - $15.95, these picture books have the same illustrations as a
book store edition but are “enriched with the identical text in braille
embossed on transparent plastic sheets.” For more information or to sign up for
the Children’s Braille Book Club, go to www.nbp.org,
call 1-800-548-7323, or write National Braille Press,
WEBLINKS: Don't have home access to the Internet? Most area public libraries offer free public access to the Internet. Contact your local public library to learn about their computer policies. Need help locating the library closest to you? Contact STLS's Outreach Services for information.
v
The Spanish
That Works website www.thelearninglight.com
includes free English/Spanish materials for library staff and patrons. Dewey en
Espanol (the Dewey Decimal Classification in Spanish), library phrase lists to
help English speakers communicate with Spanish speakers and vice versa (Tiene
su tarjeta de biblioteca? Do you have your library card?), tips on preparing
staff for providing service to Spanish speaking patrons, and helpful links to
resources at other sites. (Library Hotline
v The White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans and its partners have created two websites available in Spanish of interest to parents and children: www.YesICanKids.gov includes stories for children to read, student artwork, and a mascot – Pablo el Aguila (Pablo the Eagle). For parents www.YesICan.gov provides helpful information for navigating the education system from preschool through college. (Parent Communication Spring 2003)
v The Interagency Committee on Disability Research “promotes coordination and cooperation among Federal departments and agencies conducting rehabilitation research programs.” Their new website www.icdr.us is designed to encourage public input regarding individuals’ research needs relating to disabilities and rehabilitation. To make your needs known and influence future disability research, visit their site and fill out their comment form. (Access Currents Jan/Feb 2003)
v
Accessible
Vacations: The National Park Service (NPS) is the first federal agency to
“make accessibility a matter of policy.” Required to meet
§ Recreational Vehicle Travel Club www.handicappedtravelclub.com
§ Accessible Vans of America (van rentals) www.accessiblevans.com
§ Wheelchair Getaways (van rentals) www.wheelchairgetaways.com
§
Access
§ Access-Able Travel Source (tour agency) www.access-able.com
§
Accessible
§
“Wheelchairs on the Go: Accessible Fun in
(SpeciaLiving Spring 2003; Access Currents Jan/Feb/2003; Exceptional Parent 4/2003)
v
Disability
On Film & TV: Two websites of interest to movie fans:
§
Media Access Office: The Disability Resource for
the Entertainment Industry www.mediaacessoffice.com Funded by the state of
§
Films Involving Disabilities www.disabilityfilms.co.uk
is a British site including “a detailed list of 2,500 feature films”
categorized by 15 types of disability (AIDS to Amputee to Deaf to Mental
Disability, etc.), a bibliography of books and articles on media and
disability, and an invaluable set of links to other movie sites.
For additional information on
disability on film, request “Access Hollywood” from the attached Checklist. (New Mobility May 2003)
v
Accessible
Story Hours: Project KITE (Kids Included Through Technology are Enriched)
“trains parents and professionals to use technology for inclusion of young
children with disabilities in the daily activities of their homes and
classrooms…A truly inclusive environment gives all children, regardless of
culture, income level, or ability, the opportunity to learn, participate, and
play.” The following websites, while designed for teachers, also have much to
offer librarians searching for program ideas, games, crafts, stories, and
simple ways to make services and programs inclusive for all children. (The Computer Monitor Spring 2003)
§
www.aacintervention.com
Practical and easy ideas and instructions on making projects and program areas
accessible.
§
www.ataccess.org The
§
www.sbcss.k12ca.us/sbcss/specialeducation/ecthematic/index.html
Early Childhood Thematic Units include a variety of popular topics – Zoo,
Insects, At the Farm, Community Helpers, etc. – with suggestions of books,
music, cooking ideas, crafts/activities, cooking, display ideas, sign language,
etc., for each topic. Includes helpful links to additional sites.
§
www.mcps.k12.md.us/curriculum/pep/teach.htm
Teaching Ideas for Early Childhood Special Educators is geared much more
directly to lesson plans, although there are some good ideas which could be
used in library programs & there are many links to additional sites.
For additional
suggestions and ideas for creating inclusive programs for young children,
contact STLS’s Youth Services Consultant Lorie Brown at stl_Lorie@stls.org.
v More than 40,000 Americans are diagnosed each year with aplastic anemia and Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS), “serious and non-contagious bone marrow failure diseases.” The Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation’s website at www.aamds.org features information on these diseases and support for patients and their families. (Exceptional Parent 6/03)
v
With the aging of the baby boomers, the number
of people experiencing strokes is
increasing. Currently the third cause of death in the
§
National
§
National High Blood Pressure Education Program,
c/o
§ National Stroke Association, 9707 East Easter Lane, Englewood CO 80712-3747; (800) 787-6537; www.stroke.org
§
American Stroke Association (a Division of the
American Heart Association), 7272
§
National Institute on Aging (NIA). For a list of
free publications:
(Second Season Newsletter 3-4/2003)
v
Prescription
help: The high price of prescription drugs continues to be a “hot” topic.
Two helpful sites:
§
RxHope.com www.rxhope.com, funded by the
Pharmaceutical and Research Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) and participating
pharmaceutical companies, “has grown into the leading Internet-based patient
assistance and sampling web portal in the pharmaceutical industry.”
§
HelpingPatients.org www.helpingpatients.org/about
is a “new, interactive web site that provides a comprehensive one-stop link
to thousands of medicines offered through hundreds of patient assistance
programs sponsored by PhRMA member companies, non-member companies and
government and local organizations.” (LiverLink
3-4/03)
v
The Equalizers www.equalizers.org, an access advocacy group from
v
The Paralyzed
Veterans of America (PVA) provides brochures at a modest charge in print
and on-line on a myriad of disability topics: the
v
Created by and for survivors, the Landmine Survivors Network (LSN) www.landminesurvivors.org empowers
individuals, families, and communities afflicted with landmines to recover from
trauma, fulfill their rights, and reclaim lives. The website includes landmine
facts, rehabilitation databases, peer support networks, trauma recovery
research, survivor assistance, human rights advocacy, etc. (inMotion May-June/2003)
v
Epilepsy
Foundation Career Support Center www.epilepsyfoundation.org/programs/csc.cfm
is designed to help people with epilepsy find, get, and keep a job. The
Career Support Center includes a Job Preparation Guide to assist in the
preparation of an individual employment plan and provide information on writing
a success resume, etc., a guide to job search sites and employment resources, a
chat room to talk with peers about their experiences looking for or obtaining a
job, and links to local employment offices and support services. (EpilepsyUSA 3-4/2003)
v
College
Students Rights & Responsibilities: The U. S. Department of Education’s
Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is offering a pamphlet explaining the rights and
responsibilities of high school students with disabilities planning to attend
two- and four-year colleges and universities and vocational and career schools.
The pamphlet “Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education:
Know Your Rights and Responsibilities” is available on-line for downloading at www.ed.gov/ocr/transition.html
or in print by contacting EdPubs via e-mail edpubs@inet.ed.gov
or phone 1-877-4-ED-PUBS (toll-free). (Exceptional
Parent 4/2003)
NEW BOOKS: These books have been added to Southern Tier Library System’s Outreach Collection, and may be requested through your local public library, from a home or work computer at http://starcat.stls.org, or by contacting Mary Passage at STLS (607-962-3141); or by E-mail, STL_Mary.
ü Alzheimer’s Disease: Unraveling the Mystery by National Institute On Aging, National Institutes of Health [616.831 ALZ] This book and CD set has two sections: part 1 provides the basics – it’s a “walking tour” through the brain. Part 2 talks about current research and the advances that are bringing us closer to ways of managing, and eventually defeating Alzheimer’s. A list of helpful publications and resources for family members and caregivers is included.
ü Choosing Naia: A Family’s Journey by Mitchell Zuckoff [362.3 ZUC] Halfway through their first pregnancy, a routine ultrasound reveals that Greg & Tierney’s baby has a major heart defect leading doctors to suspect it might be a symptom of Down syndrome.
ü Exercise: A Guide from the National Institute on Aging [VC-5030] This book/video cassette set explain what exercise can do for you, how to exercise safely, and how to stay motivated to exercise. The video includes 42 minutes of stretching, balance, and strength-building exercises. At the end of the book is a list of resources to contact for more information; some are for people with diseases and disabilities.
ü Focus on the Family Complete Guide to Caring for Aging Loved Ones [649.8 FOC] A guide to assist caregivers in managing the practical, emotional, and spiritual aspects caring for a relative or friend. Includes information on: finding quality medical, professional, and social services; gaining support from family and friends; avoiding burnout; encouraging and supporting your elder’s faith as well as your own; making wise decisions regarding legal issues, finances, and insurance; and much more.
ü Library Resources for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. A Directory with Budget, Staff, and Collections Information and FY2000 and FY2001 Statistics on Readership and Circulation by National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress [027.663 LIB]
ü Self-Therapy for the Stutterer, 10th ed. by Malcolm Fraser for the Stuttering Foundation [616.8554 FRA] A logical practical program of therapy based on methods and procedures that have been used successfully in many universities and other speech clinics.
ü The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income Disability Programs: An Eligibility Guide compiled by the New York State Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance Division of Disability Determinations [CD-ROM 368.4 SOC] A user-friendly manual to assist in understanding and negotiating the often-complex disability process.
Adult/Outreach Services of
Southern Tier Library System…
Reaching Out Checklist
______________________________________________________________________________
AGENCY
/ LIBRARY NAME & ADDRESS
Summer
2003
The
following is a list of articles/book lists, which you may request from Mary
Passage by
[ ] “Reaching Out Resources & Materials to Buy” list. A listing of new titles on outreach topics recommended for purchase.
[ ]
ACCESS
[ ] AUTOMOTIVE DREAMS from New Mobility 6/2003. A list of the finest companies that sell conversions, hand controls, lift-equipped vans of all sizes (including RVs).
[ ]
BULLIES: WHEN YOUR
[ ] BULLIES: WHEN YOUR CHILD IS ONE by Peter Jaksa from ADDitude 5-6/2003. Part 2 of the article begun above. How to understand and stop your AD/HD child’s bullying behavior.
[ ] THE CHANGING FACE OF AD/HD: A TALE OF THREE FAMILIES by Ellen Kingsley and Jeff Dunetz from ADDitude 8/03. At least 10% of American families are affected by AD/HD. These three stories represent the vastly different experiences and outcomes of three [of these] families.
[ ] GUARDIANSHIP: MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICES by Nadine O. Vogel from Exceptional Parent 6/03. One of the greatest worries of parents who have children with disabilities is who is going to look out for and protect their child when they are not able to do so.
- over -
[ ] WRITING LETTERS OF MEDICAL NECESSITY by Megan Henninger from Exceptional Parent 3/2003. Everyone involved in the care of a person with a disability should be familiar with how to write a successful Letter of Medical Necessity. Includes a listing of additional resources for sample letters.
Southern Tier Library System
Painted Post, NY 14870
Adult/Outreach Services of
Southern Tier Library System…
REACHING OUT RESOURCES & MATERIALS TO
BUY
Addresses and other ordering information are included for items not likely to be found through your usual library jobber (Baker & Taylor, Ingram, Brodart, Midwest Tape, etc.).
Ø The ADHD Autism Connection: A Step Toward More Accurate Diagnosis and Effective Treatment by Diane M. Kennedy, Waterbrook Press, 2002; 1578564980; $14.99 pap., 224 p. The author explores “the gray area sometimes found between Asperger’s Syndrome and AD/HD. Kennedy seeks to shed light…by clarifying the difference between autism spectrum disorders and AD/HD.” (ADDitude 8/03)
Ø Coffee in the Cereal by Lorna J. Moorhead; Pathfinder Publishing of California, 2003; 0934793077; $14.95 pap., 100 p. Founder of the MS MOMS support group for women and mothers with MS, Moorhead has written a humorous look at her first year after being diagnosed with MS at age 23. (New Mobility 6/2003)
Ø Death in Slow Motion: My Mother’s Descent into Alzheimer’s by Eleanor Cooney; HarperCollins, 2003; 0066213967; $23.95, 272p. Cooney takes an “unsparing look at the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease on” her novelist mother Mary Durant and “the havoc it wreaks on the immediate caregivers… Though her subject matter is bleak, her book is neither sentimental nor depressing… A must-read for those dealing with a loved one’s Alzheimer’s.” (Booklist 1/1&15/03)
Ø Dragons of Autism by Olga Holland; Jessica Kingsley Pub., 2002; 1843107414; $17.95 pap.; 201 p. “The mother of an autistic child, Holland describes her strategies for containing autistic behaviors, including specific techniques for helping her son cope with life, avoid meltdowns, and accept variety and change.” (Exceptional Parent 4/03 & Amazon.com)
Ø Future Guide Dogs; Digital Cinema distr. By Library Video Company [www.libraryvideo.com or (800) 843-3620], 2002; H0013; $19.95; Videocassette; 45 min., Grades 4 – Adults. This “well-made documentary on a