Accessibility

We want all patrons to have great experiences using our website, services, collections, and building! We know the accessibility standards we meet are just a starting point. If you have a specific request or feedback, we want to know about it! Please contact Gaby Tafolla at 630.458.3334 or email tafolla@addisonlibrary.org to request accommodations or let us know how we are doing. 

• Public computers with assistive technology features
  • "Dictation" (or Speech-to-Type) available in the Sound Studio. Call 630.458.3355 or visit the Sound Studio booking page.
  • Narrator screen reader available on Windows 10 computers
  • Visual adjustments like high contrast, magnifier glass, and Ease of Access available on Windows 10 computers
• Large Print Keyboard available at IT Help Desk
• Free assistive Chrome extensions for the Google Chrome browser. Ask Help Desk staff if you need these installed. 
  • Open Dyslexic - changes website fonts that are easier for those with dyslexia 
  • Visor - screen dimmer, reading aid, and high contrast to help readers see and focus on words
  • Mercury Reader - helps removes ads and distractions to increase a reader's focus
  • Other accessibility extensions
• Wheelchair available at the Guest Services Desk during your visit
• Shopping carts available at the Guest Services Desk to use while browsing for books and materials
• Fidget toys at the Teen and Children Services Desks

Our Library of Things collection has a variety of assistive technology and accessibility tools. Below are some examples: 

• C-Pen ReaderPen reads printed text out loud.
• Various magnifiers to enlarge text, including a digital magnifier. 
• Pocketalker Ultra Personal Amplifier increases sounds for the listener and reduces background noise.  
• Memory Kits that support people living with Alzheimer's and other memory conditions

• Homebound Delivery and visits to living facilities
• Pop-up Library Events in the community for those unable to travel to the Library.
• Wheelchair available at the Guest Services Desk during your visit
• Shopping carts available at the Guest Services Desk to use while browsing for books and materials
• One-on-one appointments and reference help over the phone, via email, and Zoom
• Library programs and presentations available at-home live on Zoom or pre-recorded on YouTube
  • Need internet access or a laptop at home? Request a Wi-Fi hotspot or laptop for homebound delivery. 
• Downloadable e-books, e-audiobooks, and videos are available 24/7 from home.

• Microphone and speaker system set up in the Large Meeting Room for Library programs
• Closed-Captioning available for virtual programs on YouTube
• Pocketalker Ultra Personal Amplifier increases sounds for the listener and reduces background noise. Check it out to take home!  
• Downloadable e-books, e-audiobooks, and videos
  • Cloud Library can adjust audio speed.
  • Overdrive/Libby can adjust audio speed.
  • Hoopla has closed captioning and can adjust audio speed.
  • Boundless can adjust audio speed.

• Large Print books available for check out
• Books on CD and Playaways
• Downloadable e-books, e-audiobooks, and videos 
  • Cloud Library on iOS devices can adjust font size, change display color, and has text-to-speech.
  • Overdrive/Libby has dyslexic font, can adjust font size, adjusts appearance and color contrast, and zooms into fixed layouts (example: magazines).
  • Flipster has text-to-speech and can adjust font.
  • Hoopla has a dyslexic font and can adjust font size.
  • Boundless can adjust font size, change color, and has a dyslexic font.
  • TumbleBooks works with a screen reader. Many books are available in large print or with image descriptions.

Need help finding resources and services in the community? Request an appointment with our Social Services Coordinator. 

• Illinois' Talking Book and Braille Services: Provides audio and braille books by mail or digital download to Illinois residents.
• Spectrios Institute of Low Vision: Provides services for individuals with low vision including exams, occupational therapy, and rehabilitation services. 
• Friedman Place: A nonprofit Supportive Living Community for adults who are blind. 
• NEDSRA: The Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association provides recreational and social programs to individuals with disabilities.
• DuPage County's Senior Services: Provides programs that help independent lifestyles and has information on other benefits for seniors. 
• Chicago Hearing Society: Provides ASL interpreters, classes to learn ASL, help finding assistive technology, and social services.
• Ray Graham:  Provides services to people with disabilities. 

• Addison Public Library uses ALA's Library Privacy Guidelines for Assistive Technology when providing services to patrons and training to staff. 
• Illinois Attorney General's information on Disability Rights
• A Guide to Disability Rights and ADA
• US Department of Labor's information on ADA