Campus students with print disabilities now have more accesa to The University of California, Berkeley's vast library collections, under a landmark agreement finalized last month. The negotiated agreement agreement between UC Berkeley and Disability Rights Advocates, a nonprofit legal group, establishes a system for providing more timely access to print materials converted to alternative-media formats. ’
The new system, believed to be the first of its kind in the nation, allows students with print disabilities — conditions such as blindness, dyslexia, even paralysis that prevents them from turning the pages of a book — to request free conversion of a specific library book or journal. The library has agreed to convert the text to alternative-media format within an average of five business days.
The settlement arose from a complaint by three Berkeley students who said they were stymied academically by their limited access to library materials.
“Getting accessible course materials … is essential to have an equal chance at academic success,” said David Jaulus, one of the students involved, of the May 7 settlement. Another, Brandon King, said that “having access to library materials for the first time, in a format where I can enjoy the reading at a decent pace, is priceless.”
Comments
Rochelle,
Thanks, I am going to forward this to co-workers that have an interest in these areas. PS, I am having difficulties when I post. If I start a response with a name, as above, then hit enter to add text, I can not. I do not know if that is a problem with the site or my computer. So , this was created in word and copied and pasted.
Hi Robin,
Thanks for your response. I am glad that information will be shared.
Has your technical problem been fixed. If not, use the "Contact Us" button on the top of this page to request technical assistance.
Rochelle Kenyon, SME