Library Services for People With Disabilities

Mission

The American University Library is committed to making its resources available to all American University students, staff and faculty on an equal basis.

In order to facilitate equal access, the library provides special services to those members of the AU community who have physical or learning disabilities.

Policy for Library Services for People with Disabilities   (.pdf file)

Eligibility

The library maintains a list of people eligible for special services. In order to have your name included on the list, contact the appropriate office listed below:

• Students with Physical and Sensory Disabilities: Disability Support Services at (202) 885-3312
• Students with Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Disorder: Academic Support Center at (202) 885-3360
• Staff or Faculty: Human Resources at (202) 885-2591

Assistive Technology

There are 2 rooms in the library that house assistive technology. One assistive technology workstation is located on the main floor. Please ask the Information Desk for assistance.

Reservations:

• Reservations are taken by the Circulation Desk: (202) 885-3221
• Maximum blocks of 4 hours
• Reservations are held for 10 minutes
• Walk-in users may inquire at the Circulation Desk

Access:

• The keys are held at the Circulation Desk
• Keys are exchanged for a valid AU ID

Available Assistive Technology:

Hardware:

• Alternate Input Devices
  • Adaptive Keyboards
  • Mouse Alternatives
• Braille Embossers
  • Juliet Classic
  • Versa Point Duo
• CCTVs
  • ChromaPLULS
  • SmartView 5000
• Closed-Caption Televisions
• Height-Adjustable Tables
• Talking Book Players
• TTYs
• Flatbed / Document Scanner
• "Low Tech" Items
  • Braille Slate and Stylus
  • Hand-Held Magnifier

 Software:

• Dragon NaturallySpeaking Preferred (voice recognition)
• Duxbury Braille Translator
• JAWS for Windows (screen reader)
• OpenBook (optical character recognition for visual impairments)
• ReadPlease PLUS with Natural Voices (text-to-speech)
• Victor Reader Soft (reads DAISY-formatted CDs)
• WYNN Wizard (optical character recognition for learning disabilities)
• ZoomText Magnifier (screen magnifier for low vision)
• Kurzweil 3000 Scan / Read
• Accessibar (for Mozilla Firefox)
• DeskBot
• Adobe Acrobat Professional
• Power Talk
• E-Text Reader
• Microsoft Reader

Training

Training on the Assistive Technology is available by appointment.

Contact , Assistive Technology Specialist, at (202) 885-3194.

Reserve Material

• Authorized users may receive up to 1000 pages of free photocopying a semester
• The student may either check the materials out and take them to the copy center OR
• Give the Reserves Desk attendant a written list of needed items at least 24 hours in advance

Retrieval of Books and Periodicals

If a patron is unable to access the stacks, s/he can obtain assistance retrieving library materials. After preparing a list of titles and call numbers, consult with library personnel at the Circulation Desk.

Specialized Instruction / Reference

• For brief reference needs, go to the Reference Desk
• For more extensive reference assistance or instruction, e -mail the or call (202) 885-3238 to schedule an appointment.

Library Publications

Library publications are available in:

• Large print
• Braille
• On disc

To request alternate format, please contact or Disability Support Services at (202) 885-3315.

Lockers

A small number of lockers are available for students with disabilities. At the beginning of the semester, stop by the Circulation Desk to request a locker.

Important Contact Information