Today, while I was in class, I was sitting there watching my professor fumble and struggle with the projection system, when a thought occurred to me: "Wait a second. He (my professor) is an older person struggling with the use of new technology, just like we've talked about in Project ALFA. Why has no one sought to teach him how to effectively use this technology?"
You see, we, as students take for granted that because a professor has their doctorate, it means that they know all and don't need to be taught. But today, in my professor, I saw my grandfather struggling to understand his new computer. As my professor became confused when his YouTube link didn't work, and as he struggled to navigate Firefox, I thought of all of the other professors that are about his age (60+), that would probably benefit from a course teaching them how to manage this new technology.
This entire semester, I've been groaning and complaining because all this professor does is stand there and lecture, there are no powerpoint slides or anything to look at. Perhaps he doesn't know how to use Powerpoint? I never even thought of that.
For me, it would be awkward to go up to my professor and suggest a technology course at his local library, or what have you; but in the future, I will now, when I think of the aging, will not just picture retired persons, but persons who have careers, as well, and need to acquire this information about technology in order to excel in their careers. Although, I think that even the younger professionals could probably benefit from a refresher course. Maybe Wayne State's SLIS should think about a having professional development day where everything from how to use a projector to how to make a powerpoint is covered.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Thoughts on the TEK Robotic Mobilization Device from a Wheelchair User
Credit goes to Christina Golm for posting this link on the ALFA facebook page:
http://www.wimp.com/newdevice/
But after seeing this video, there was no way I could NOT write a blog post about it. This robotic mobilization device seems revolutionary. Of course, it probably costs thousands of dollars, and isn't covered under most, or any, insurance policies, but the independence it could give to wheelchair users! I immediately thought of myself, or another person in a wheelchair in a library. This device would make it so as the disabled patron could get that book on the very top shelf without asking for assistance. And not only could they GET the book on the top shelf, they can now actually see the books available on the top shelf. For me, as a librarian, this means that I could shelve books with more ease, work with patrons at an eye-to-eye level; the ability to be able to stand up gives the current wheelchair user so much more freedom. Plus, it gives the user the freedom to sit down if need be. If a library patron wants to go from looking at books to spending time on the computer, that would not be a problem! You can sit and stand with ease.
Now, I certainly don't need this device as much as a paraplegic person would, as I can stand with assistance, but I would love to see this product become more available to the general public soon! It would not only be of great benefit in libraries, but as the video shows, it would also be of benefit in bathrooms, cooking in the kitchen, in grocery stores. For a paraplegic mom who has children, it would be helpful in a nursery, with picking a baby or young child up out of a crib, or changing diapers.
Basically, this device is just really cool, and I cannot tell you how enthusiastic I am about what it can do! :)
http://www.wimp.com/newdevice/
But after seeing this video, there was no way I could NOT write a blog post about it. This robotic mobilization device seems revolutionary. Of course, it probably costs thousands of dollars, and isn't covered under most, or any, insurance policies, but the independence it could give to wheelchair users! I immediately thought of myself, or another person in a wheelchair in a library. This device would make it so as the disabled patron could get that book on the very top shelf without asking for assistance. And not only could they GET the book on the top shelf, they can now actually see the books available on the top shelf. For me, as a librarian, this means that I could shelve books with more ease, work with patrons at an eye-to-eye level; the ability to be able to stand up gives the current wheelchair user so much more freedom. Plus, it gives the user the freedom to sit down if need be. If a library patron wants to go from looking at books to spending time on the computer, that would not be a problem! You can sit and stand with ease.
Now, I certainly don't need this device as much as a paraplegic person would, as I can stand with assistance, but I would love to see this product become more available to the general public soon! It would not only be of great benefit in libraries, but as the video shows, it would also be of benefit in bathrooms, cooking in the kitchen, in grocery stores. For a paraplegic mom who has children, it would be helpful in a nursery, with picking a baby or young child up out of a crib, or changing diapers.
Basically, this device is just really cool, and I cannot tell you how enthusiastic I am about what it can do! :)
Sunday, March 18, 2012
A Keyboard
Now, while this keyboard is meant for children learning how to type, it struck me how beneficial this keyboard could also be for someone who is visually impaired or losing their sight. All of the numbers are red, all of the function keys are green, all of the punctuation/symbol keys are orange, all of the consonants are dark blue, and all of the vowels are light blue. For someone who cannot see the letters on the keys, they may still be able to see the color; and if they are familiar with the typical QWERTY keyboard, they might just be able to figure out where the keys are based on this color coding. Also, even if the person cannot differentiate between colors, the size of the letters and numbers on these keys are much larger than that of a standard keyboard, making them easier to see. Plus this keyboard is Mac and Windows compatible, so it does not matter which operating system the visually impaired person has, this keyboard would work for them!
Just a thought!
Monday, March 5, 2012
Canine Companions for Independence
Back in January, after hearing from Cain and Ellie about Canine Companions for Independence while in Denton, I had an epiphany. I decided that I should apply for a canine companion. It is something me and my family have been considering for many years now, and I decided that now was the right time.
I have been living on my own for about 5 years, now. But even though I've been able to live independently for so long it has not been without its difficulties. I guess things started to change when I had some falling episodes back during the Fall semester, one of which caused me to have a black eye. Of course, having balance issues as a result of Cerebral Palsy, falling, for me, isn't uncommon. It happens from time to time. But living by myself, I'm worried that one of these times I am going to fall and seriously injure myself, and be unable to get myself back up. My thinking was that a canine companion could help with this. Cain said that Ellie went and got help for him when he fell one time, and if I could get a dog to at least open my apartment door so that I can call for help, that would give me a piece of mind.
On top of this, it is difficult for me to independently open doors that do not have an automatic door push button. Also, I have difficulty picking things up off the floor (and I'm constantly dropping things). I think a Canine Companion would be helpful for these reasons, as well.
I sent in my completed application back in February to the Canine Companion for Independence midwest regional center in Ohio. I was told that after they review my application it will be decided whether or not I'm a qualified enough candidate to go onto the next step, which is the phone interview. I have not heard anything from them, as of yet, but I have not given up hope. They are very busy people over there. And if it is determined that a Canine Companion is not right for me, though I will be disappointed, I will understand. There are many people out there whose disabilities are more severe than my own who could probably use a Canine Companion more than I could, though I do think I would benefit from the program.
I'll be sure to update the blog if I hear anything from them in the near future. :)
*UPDATE - 3/26* I made it to the phone interview part of the application process! I have an interview scheduled for this coming Thursday, so I will let you know how it goes!
*UPDATE - 4/7* My phone interview went well. Now I have to send in a medical history form filled out by my physician. If that goes through, and everything is good, then I go on to the personal interview stage!
I have been living on my own for about 5 years, now. But even though I've been able to live independently for so long it has not been without its difficulties. I guess things started to change when I had some falling episodes back during the Fall semester, one of which caused me to have a black eye. Of course, having balance issues as a result of Cerebral Palsy, falling, for me, isn't uncommon. It happens from time to time. But living by myself, I'm worried that one of these times I am going to fall and seriously injure myself, and be unable to get myself back up. My thinking was that a canine companion could help with this. Cain said that Ellie went and got help for him when he fell one time, and if I could get a dog to at least open my apartment door so that I can call for help, that would give me a piece of mind.
On top of this, it is difficult for me to independently open doors that do not have an automatic door push button. Also, I have difficulty picking things up off the floor (and I'm constantly dropping things). I think a Canine Companion would be helpful for these reasons, as well.
I sent in my completed application back in February to the Canine Companion for Independence midwest regional center in Ohio. I was told that after they review my application it will be decided whether or not I'm a qualified enough candidate to go onto the next step, which is the phone interview. I have not heard anything from them, as of yet, but I have not given up hope. They are very busy people over there. And if it is determined that a Canine Companion is not right for me, though I will be disappointed, I will understand. There are many people out there whose disabilities are more severe than my own who could probably use a Canine Companion more than I could, though I do think I would benefit from the program.
I'll be sure to update the blog if I hear anything from them in the near future. :)
*UPDATE - 3/26* I made it to the phone interview part of the application process! I have an interview scheduled for this coming Thursday, so I will let you know how it goes!
*UPDATE - 4/7* My phone interview went well. Now I have to send in a medical history form filled out by my physician. If that goes through, and everything is good, then I go on to the personal interview stage!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Reflections
This semester has opened my eyes, and I am seeing the Library and Information Science profession as I've never seen it before. This is a good thing! I knew that being a librarian was much more than reading books and telling patrons to be quiet. But I am especially enamored with how much I've learned about technology this semester. I feel as though, already, I can confidently go into a job and use my newfound computer skills to enhance the library experience for not only the patrons, but for my fellow co-workers, as well. Now, I know that I've still got a lot to learn, so the thought of being a tech-wiz may be a bit of an exaggeration. However, this semester has taught me skills that I know I will be able to apply to my future career.
As for technology with regards to Universal Access, I know I'll be learning more about that next semester. However, from what I've learned already, I can only see the benefits of implementing accessible technology (such as screen readers, braille readers) in the library setting.
Overall, I am pleased with how the semester turned out, and I am excited to see what future semesters hold in store.
As for technology with regards to Universal Access, I know I'll be learning more about that next semester. However, from what I've learned already, I can only see the benefits of implementing accessible technology (such as screen readers, braille readers) in the library setting.
Overall, I am pleased with how the semester turned out, and I am excited to see what future semesters hold in store.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
What services does DPL offer its other patrons?
The Detroit Public Library System is made up of twenty-three different branches beside the main library. The main library, alone, is very large and offers a variety of different programs, so that will be the only DPL library that we will focus on for this post. The main branch of DPL has a lot that it offers its other patrons that aren't elderly.
For example, they have the HYPE Teen Center for young adults. Within this teen center, many services are offered, such as, homework help, mentoring for girls (called Jewels of HYPE), plus an Anime Club and Teen Advisory Board.
But it's not just the teens that can get in on the action, there are multiple services for younger children, as well. These include: Preschool Storytime, a Tween Chess Club, an American Girl Program, and a Junior Great Books program.
For adults, they recently had a lecture called Copyright for Creative people, in which the attendees learned the basics of Copyright Law, and the rights it gives them. Also, they recently had a Winter Hazards Awareness Workshop, warning attendees about the hazards of the upcoming season and teaching them how to stay safe. This last workshop was open to all, and was very beneficial for persons of any age in teaching them how to safely combat Michigan winters.
On top of all of this, they regularly offer classes on how to use Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc. And for the holiday season, they have a class that teaches attendees how to make holiday flyers.
The point is, there's a little bit of something for everybody at the Main Branch of the Detroit Public Library. Age, race, physical ability, it doesn't matter. All one needs to attend these events or programs is an interest in the subject.
For example, they have the HYPE Teen Center for young adults. Within this teen center, many services are offered, such as, homework help, mentoring for girls (called Jewels of HYPE), plus an Anime Club and Teen Advisory Board.
But it's not just the teens that can get in on the action, there are multiple services for younger children, as well. These include: Preschool Storytime, a Tween Chess Club, an American Girl Program, and a Junior Great Books program.
For adults, they recently had a lecture called Copyright for Creative people, in which the attendees learned the basics of Copyright Law, and the rights it gives them. Also, they recently had a Winter Hazards Awareness Workshop, warning attendees about the hazards of the upcoming season and teaching them how to stay safe. This last workshop was open to all, and was very beneficial for persons of any age in teaching them how to safely combat Michigan winters.
On top of all of this, they regularly offer classes on how to use Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc. And for the holiday season, they have a class that teaches attendees how to make holiday flyers.
The point is, there's a little bit of something for everybody at the Main Branch of the Detroit Public Library. Age, race, physical ability, it doesn't matter. All one needs to attend these events or programs is an interest in the subject.
Universal Access: What is it?
The concept of Universal Access is something that should be considered not just in the Library and Information Science field. All public places should provide various types of access so that people with varying disabilities can use these public facilities to their fullest extent. Universal Access is what sounds like, access for all, keeping all of the different of the types of challenges people face in mind.
However, within the Library and Information Science field, Universal Access is something that should definitely be thought of. Many libraries are older, and have characteristics that make it harder for disabled person to access the building, such as steps to get to the front door, or to get to various levels of the library. Without a ramp or an elevator, these physical barriers are very damaging for the library, as it inhibits those who have physical disabilities from coming to the library.
But physical barriers in a library are not the only barriers that could be fixed. For the visually impaired, the library could offer a variety of braille books, or audio books. Also, library computers could have screen-reading software installed on them so that a visually impaired patron can easily have access to computers and enhance the information they can obtain from their library visit.
However, within the Library and Information Science field, Universal Access is something that should definitely be thought of. Many libraries are older, and have characteristics that make it harder for disabled person to access the building, such as steps to get to the front door, or to get to various levels of the library. Without a ramp or an elevator, these physical barriers are very damaging for the library, as it inhibits those who have physical disabilities from coming to the library.
But physical barriers in a library are not the only barriers that could be fixed. For the visually impaired, the library could offer a variety of braille books, or audio books. Also, library computers could have screen-reading software installed on them so that a visually impaired patron can easily have access to computers and enhance the information they can obtain from their library visit.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)