Final Reflections…

As we wind down our class, here are a few final reflections…

On Disability…

A couple months ago as I sat in a Starbucks within a Target store, a young man who was blind head toward me with his white cane at a quick pace.  Is this the exit, he said?  He was bearing down on me so fast he almost hit me with his cane and all I could say was “Wait, Wait”!  That moment led to a sit down talk about his determination to learn how to get around in this store, in his new town of Kalamazoo, and his excitement over the new job that brought him there, as a personal trainer at the school for the blind.  Once our conversation ended, he was up and on his way asking people how to get around and out of the store.  The young Starbucks worker asked me later aren’t “people like that” supposed to have someone with them??  This encounter, for me, highlighted several areas we have since discussed in our class.

1)       People with disabilities want to be independent and simply want the opportunity to live life to the best of their ability.  This is a part of the culture of disability that needs to be understood.

2)       Putting ourselves in their place (such as we did with our exercise on simulating a disability) allows us to recognize and understand better how to be of help to those with a disability.  Unfortunately at the time I met the young man mentioned above, I began to realize how unprepared I was to be of the right kind of help.  I tried to “talk” him to the exit by giving directions.  But my directions were so far off he ended up behind the Starbucks counter.

3)       With all the strides we’ve made in society, Ableism and oppression are still present.  Stereotypes continue to exist about those with disabilities that can possibly only be broken by education along with personal continued contact.

On Seniors and an Aging Population…

I am surrounded by seniors.  They have gone through stages in life that some of us can only imagine.  It is not their fault that many are having trouble transitioning to this modern age of technological expansion.  However, where they are ready to receive this knowledge, we must be there to provide it.  When we discussed Seniors and Technology in class, many commented on why seniors would chat online, and whether they found it as a substitute for loneliness.  I say maybe, maybe not.  In all honesty, if these students had thought, that statement could be made for young people as well.   Reasons for using technology differ from person to person, young or old. The fact that seniors want to use computers or the internet, and find some kind of benefit in its use, is wonderful in and of itself.

Seniors are living longer.  They have more provisions in society like preventive healthcare, greater government assistance, and opportunities for greater social connections.  In todays’ day and time, seniors don’t stop living just because they get older.  They don’t have to.

On Universal Access…

I am still, perhaps even more, adamant about my quest for universal access!  Although the world has come a long way to ensure that changes be made to allow greater accessibility, there is still quite a bridge to cross.  One of the disability presentations in class showed the many things libraries could do by providing items to make their services more accessible.  They mentioned that many of these things were quite affordable. Organizations need to understand that universal access modifications would not only have a cost benefit but be a benefit even to the average person.

As a Librarian and Information Professional

So, how do all of these readings, observations, discussions and reflections affect my service in the field of Library and Information Science.   They have all added value and continued to fan the flames of my determination to make services and information for seniors and people with disabilities more available and accessible .To sum it up, I think it necessary that librarians have specific additional training in serving our patrons with disabilities and our senior population.  To be honest, I think that libraries should have at least 1 – 2 full time librarians who are specialists in serving this population.  Having dedicated staff will ensure that specific planning is done, evaluations are made, and that needs are met in all aspects of accessibility for this patron base, including that of universal access.

Reflections on Universal Access in Libraries…

Universal Access?  What does it mean?  It means complete accessibility.  Another term for this would be barrier free access.  Ultimately a goal for universal access would be to identify the needs and work to reduce any known barriers.  In libraries, this would mean not only barrier free physical access to the library and all of its subsequent facilities, ability to maneuver within the library, but barrier free access to a library’s collection and website, and the ability to participate fully in all events and other activities without hindrance.

Physical barrier free access in libraries would include ramps instead of steps, wider aisles without obstructions and lower stacks so that the collection is more reachable.  Also included would be the installation of handrails within the stalls, along with larger restroom stalls to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices.  Better lighting and larger clear signage also makes a great difference.  Larger tables and computer stations that can be modified and used by seniors and disabled patrons are also a necessity.

Websites should offer font sizes and colors that are easily understandable and the links should be simple to manipulate.  Special equipment such as low vision enhancers, magnifying glasses, and additional media should be a staple of libraries to meet the needs of people who have vision difficulties.

For diverse populations, there remain some challenges to this.  Diverse populations include the young, middle aged, seniors, people with disabilities, all cultures, races, and ethnicities.  Currently many libraries lack dedicated staff trained to meet the needs of a diverse population.  This lack of training can be a barrier to accessibility in a library.  Libraries should have staff who speak other languages, staff trained to work with disabled patrons, and staff who specialize in senior services, in addition to their childrens librarians (which we seem to focus on).  Along with those physically accessible changes I’ve already mentioned, signs in multiple languages should be added, as well as programming that will meet the many needs of a diverse population.  It’s true, many libraries lack funding to make some of the necessary adjustments that would reduce barriers for all of these demographics, picking and choosing their updates and modifications as funds are allocated.  However, creating barrier free access should be an ongoing process in organizations where the concept has not existed before, and a librarys plans should be to make all feel welcome in their facility by preparing for and including such diversity.

The adjustments that can be made to enhance the barrier free options in libraries are too numerous to mention.  I think it would behoove a library to have a person or committee designated to the purpose of assessing the needs of, and producing a strategic plan for continued growth in the area of Universal Access.

A great resource for the blind and physically handicapped – DPL

A great resource for people who have low vision, are blind, are reading impaired, or are physically unable to read is the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped located on Grand River, a part of the Detroit Public Library.  This particular branch is one of 12 subregional LBPH libraries and offers its mail order books on tape services to 14 zip codes within the Detroit area.  Other locations provide services to other zip codes throughout Detroit and the State.  Overall, these services are provided Nationwide through the Library of Congress National Library Service.

The library collection includes audio / talking books of all genres.  These include Urban fiction, adult and juvenile fiction and non-fiction, bestsellers, mysteries, romances, westerns, biographies and more. The program offers books on tape, digital books, large print books, descriptive videos, regular print books about disabilities, and reference sources on the ADA. There are also popular magazines offered.

The library is not a walk in service.  The books are provided strictly by mail.  The Librarians are available to answer any reference questions, and take calls regularly.  The library boasts having adaptive computer equipment which makes screen images bigger.  CCTV is like a large magnifying glass which makes document images larger and is a magnifier.  Training is offered in JAWS – a computer program which scans the text before reading it aloud for the hard of seeing.  They also have equipment that can print a typed document in Braille.  For use of these, one can contact the library for availability times.

The Librarian is passionate about her work and  is responsible for several special programs offered for the visually challenged patrons.  They have a book club that meets monthly.    They have offered a self-defense class, judo class, knitting clubs, and radio playwrights group.  They have the yearly Halloween party, and also invite authors to do book signings.  The library publishes and distributes a quarterly newsletter as well.

It is a joy to find a service specifically for this particular patron base and empowers these patrons by opening up a world that could have been shut off to them.  It is a great example of the library code of ethics tenet that the library be accessible to all!

Applications for the book service can be downloaded from the NLS website or directly from this library.  For more info check out their website at:                                                                        http://www.detroit.lib.mi.us/lbph/LBPH_index.htm

Thoughts on the Digital Divide…

What is the Digital Divide?  The digital divide implies a gap between people who possess regular access to technology, (such as computers and the resultant ability to get on the Internet), and those who have limited or no access to this at all.  Although it may appear that the majority of the worlds population has computers or internet access, it is unfortunately not so.  With the continued growth of educational, employment, and health related activities being performed by computer,  and the explosion of all things technological, a lack of access to computers can be, and is detrimental to progress and growth.

The digital divide is evidenced by definite disparities.  Where the divide is most noticeable is between races (a racial divide), between those middle class or rich and those living at or below poverty level (an income divide), and between those in rural areas and those living in cities.  It also affects seniors who, in general have difficulty keeping up with the latest technology.  Other barriers prove to be education, relevance, cost and a lack of technological skills.  Many people as of yet cannot afford computer systems.  If they can, they may not be able to afford the wireless internet connections necessary to access the internet.  If they can afford an internet connection it may be one obsolete or of slower quality as to not accommodate much of the particular programming offered on the internet today.

The value of internet access is seen in education, business, healthcare, government, jobs, and even in expanding the world of the homebound, etc.  Lack of this digital inclusion is a problem.

This is where our libraries can be of benefit.  Already libraries are providing internet access and computer time.  According to an article written in 2011, public libraries are stretched and are confined by limited resources.  However, our libraries must continue to serve as the community support and anchors in this fight to lessen the digital divide.  Libraries must continue and increase availability of internet labs. Libraries must continue and increase computer classes.  Promotion of technological offerings at our libraries can assist to close the gap of the existing divide in all areas.

Related to seniors and the disabled community, classes and computer availability in libraries must be more tailored to and specifically geared toward the special needs that these groups possess.  As important as providing adaptive equipment for use on computers, learning styles and comfort levels of these groups are a factor and should be taken into consideration when providing computer and internet sessions.  We also must definitely address the fact that getting to a library may not be feasible for seniors or disabled patrons, especially if they are homebound.  We must find a way to take the library and all of its benefits to them.  Detroits’ library on wheels makes rounds to senior centers and other senior facilities.  They were proud to show me their acquisition of two laptops placed in the LOW.  This is a way for seniors to be introduced to technology, and have an opportunity to use it.

Libraries, as information facilitators, have an obligation to do all they can to ensure equitable access for everyone.  Knowing we can’t solve all problems of the world, we must still make a concerted effort to address this one – the problem of inequitable access.  It will require us to think outside the box, establish some new alliances, and make technology and the internet as accessible as possible.

References

Crawford, S. (2011). The New Digital Divide, http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/04/opinion/sunday/internet-access-and-the-new-divide.html?pagewanted=all

To sum it up…(A brief analysis)

The summation of my blog posts and discussion board responses have all been a result of my advocacy for and promotion of rights and fair treatment for the aged and disabled community.  The articles, lectures, and assignments have further spurred my desire to fight for this.  Readings and subsequent posts on ableism and disability culture made me more aware that there is an underlying current of discrimination yet in existence that we, as a body of people with disabilities, must continue to fight against.  The assignment on disability and aging in the mass media made me more aware of how prevalent changes are, but the study of disability culture made me aware of how far we still have to go in achieving everyday benchmarks necessary to live life independently.

One thing is certain.  As I’ve read the discussion posts of others and taken part in the online class discussion sessions, I am of the belief that one cannot relate to disability unless one has a direct relationship with disability.  And one cannot relate to aging unless one has a direct relationship with aging.  There is a cultural gap as well as a generational gap where these populations are concerned.   This, by no means excuses one from providing courtesies and fair treatment.  However, these lectures, readings, and class discussions have shown me that rights for these marginalized groups must yet be fought for.  There remains a need for increased awareness of the issues for seniors and persons with disabilities in the information service industries.

The Importance of Acknowledging Disability Culture

It’s important to recognize the existence of disability culture in libraries.  An understanding of this can and will result in better service to all patrons.  It must be recognized that each patron brings with them a lifestyle, bank of knowledge and experience that makes them all who they are.  This includes their experiences as a disabled person.  In libraries our goal is to make the library experience as worthwhile as possible to each individual patron.  Recognizing and acknowledging the needs of patrons with disabilities is a step toward doing so.

One way to do this is to ensure that our libraries stop making people with disabilities adjust to their pre fabricated environments, but strive to adjust the environment more so to the needs of people with disabilities.  I talk about this many times when I say that people with disabilities must still try to open manual doors.  We still have to ask people where things are located.  We still have to ask to be taken to the second floor.  Disability culture seeks and strives to increase independence for people with disabilities.  Adopting a universal access policy can and will afford greater physical independence by adding automatic doors, increasing visible signage in libraries, paving the parking lots for easier access to libraries, and greater accessible parking for disabled patrons.  There needs to be a change in mindset and the existing way of thinking so that adjustments are not just simple temporary fixes but long term solutions.

There also needs to be an increased awareness of disability among library staff.  I recall the ALA producing a publication that talked about library service for patrons with disabilities.  I found this helpful and would encourage any librarian to read this and or gain some training and understanding of how to approach patrons, and the needs they might have.  It’s interesting to note that things a person with a disability thinks everyone would consider are not a thought to some people.  I went to the Toledo library and asked how to get to their little café.  The security guard told me to go right around the corner.  I did and was faced with a long flight of stairs.  Hmmm.  Did he not even see my walker??  So we turned around, went back, and asked again this time pointing out my mobility device.  He was embarrassed and told us how to get to the elevator.  My friend and I got a kick out of it.  However we both noted the importance of paying appropriate attention.

It’s true that librarians, themselves, are not always able to change policy and make necessary adjustments in libraries.  Physical changes and updates are at the mercy of stressed administration and library budgets.  However, the change must first start in the minds and actions of those of us serving this culture of disability.  This will take us a long way in our efforts to ensure that first tenet of the Library Code of Ethics – accessible library service for all!

 

Ableism / Oppression

Mackelprang and Salsgiver (2009) define ableism as a term describing “…the belief that people with disabilities are inferior to non-disabled people because of their differences “(p.9).  Ableism is akin to the other “isms” such as racism, and sexism, which denote discrimination.   Therefore ableism, as according to dictionary.com, is discrimination against disabled or handicapped people.  The dictionary definition of oppression involves deliberate assertion of power in an unjust, or cruel manner.

I searched my mind to find instances where I may have witnessed or felt evidence of such behavior in libraries and other information centers.  Is it considered oppression when seniors and people with disabilities, who obviously have difficulty standing, must stand in long lines at libraries where there is only one person working the circulation desk at the busiest time of day?  Is it oppression when a person with a disability cannot simply enter a library building because of manual doors, but has to push  the little blue “handicapped” button and wait for someone to come open the door?  Is it oppression when a person who uses a mobility device goes to the polls to vote and finds stairs at the only entrance?  Mackleprang and Salsgiver would call this evidence of ableism or oppression.  Perhaps it is.

If a librarian or library worker does not address a senior or person with a disability directly, that is oppressive behavior.  If they ignore them, that is also oppressive behavior.  If a librarian or library worker does not offer assistance when it is noticed that assistance is needed, that is oppressive behavior.   Treating people with disabilities stereotypically and negatively is oppressive behavior.

A person in a disability chat group talked of the experience of shopping at a store using her walker.  A person came toward her in the same aisle with a shopping cart.  This person did not move to the side but instead bumped into the person with the walker.  Thinking it was an accident the person with the disability said “excuse me.”  However, in the next aisle, the same person did the same thing bumping her cart into the walker.  She then blurted out “you people don’t need to be at the stores.  You need to stay home and let somebody else shop for you!”  This person showed overt ableism or oppression.

Most people with disabilities want to be self sufficient.  I believe many want to feel that they can maneuver in this world without having to rely on others, and be successful in society.   Society does not always make it easy and has perpetuated the “pitiful and needy disabled person” stereotype.   Hence the need for universal access.

Not all behavior or actions are meant to be oppressive.  Some things are done out of ignorance, a lack of knowledge.  It is also difficult to tell if an organization is being oppressive, or if they simply don’t know how to treat people, or what to do to make things accessible.  What they can do, however is provide the best possible customer service training to their staff on serving seniors or customers with a disability.  They can make as many adjustments as possible to allow universal access.  And they can put procedures in place that prohibit cruel and unfair treatment of patrons and customers especially seniors and those with disabilities.

Library / Senior Services in My Local Community (Detroit)

The Detroit Public Library offers a number of events and special programming options specifically for Seniors and for the Disabled at various branches around the city.

1)  The Douglas Branch houses the Detroit Subregional Library for the Blind and Physically handicapped.

The LBPH offers services for the blind, the visually handicapped, the physically handicapped, or the reading disabled. Talking Books, along with talking book machines, are available to eligible residents who live in a 14 ZIP code area of Detroit. Loans of the books and machines are made to individuals and to institutions such as schools, nursing homes and senior residences. Over 60,000 book titles are available (many in Spanish) as well as some magazines. All materials can be provided through the mail Free Matter for the Blind, and there is no cost for the customer.

The LBPH also offers many events and activities  including two monthly Book Clubs, a monthly knitting group, computer training, author talks and special programs.  One can also find enhanced computer equipment and low vision enhancers that will make reading easier for those with low-vision.  The  librarian absolutely loves her job and working with this population of seniors and  handicapped patrons.  Her patrons take a great deal of pride in their library and the activities it offers.

2)  Douglas Branch Library on Wheels (LOW)

The Douglas Branch is also home to the Library On Wheels (LOW).  The LOW brings books and other reading materials, audiocassettes and information to Detroit’s seniors and schools. The LOW Bookmobile makes many stops a month at two-week intervals to senior citizen buildings, drop-in centers and other places where older or retired people live or congregate.

Bookmobile stacff answer questions, locate or reserve books and obtain titles through Interlibrary Loan. The LOW Librarians bring books to the rooms or apartments of those unable to visit the Bookmobile.

3)  Main Branch Detroit READS

The Main branch offers individual literacy tutoring for all ages.  Seniors included.  I had an opportunity to participate as a tutor in this program and my student was over the age of 60.  Seniors have the opportunity to work in an unthreatened environment, one on one, to improve literacy.  This is an ongoing program.

4) The Detroit Public Library TIP line is a community library maintained phone number that leads to a database of a wealth of community information used much by seniors and handicapped citizens of Detroit.  In addition to providing information, it has become a staple to many of our citizens who are home-bound, and want the comfort of hearing another voice.

In addition to those offerings specifically mentioned, many branches offer Computer courses and classes on Genealogical Searches.  There are also special exhibits and concerts in which all of the public are invited to take part.

By way of community and senior centers, here are a couple:

5)  Butzel Family Center

A complete schedule of daily senior activities is offered through this community center on Detroits East side.  These include walking, morning gatherings, computer labs, games, crafts, food and friendship, piano lessons, bingo, art and a Senior Parenting Workshop which addresses the issues of grandparents raising grandchildren – so prevalent in our society today.  The agency  seeks to operate as a multipurpose facility offering health services, police services as well as many additional services of benefit to our aging community.

6)  Brightmoor Community Center

The Senior Wellness Center at this Detroit community center offers legal aid, social work services, food and friendship, tax preparation, and bible study, along with the entertaining arts, crafts, bingo, and occasional trips.

Detroit has many other community centers throughout the city that offer senior services and activities.  However, I don’t believe collaboration with the libraries is necessary or feasible at this time.  At one point, some of the centers had micro libraries located within them but a lack of, and decrease in library and city funding probably put a halt to that.  As our city is consolidating its services and closing library branches, the community centers are filling gaps in those areas of programming and meeting needs.  I think the Library on Wheels may be the  closest to a collaboration between the centers and the libraries right now as they travel to senior centers and other places where seniors congregate.

A Response to Chapter 6

Changing Aging Demographics in Minority Populations.

Demographic forces that will account for an increase in the older minority population in the future actually differ accordingly for the differing minority groups.  However, across the board we will notice an increased aging population because many people are practicing greater preventive healthcare, there is a greater awareness of government assistance and helpful agencies that can enhance quality of life, and seniors are taking part in a greater social connection.

1)  Greater preventive healthcare.  People are eating a more nutritious diet, exercising or doing more physical activity that strengthens their bodies and makes them less susceptible to illness.  More people are visiting their doctors and there are greater medical breakthroughs than there were in previous generations.  How often it is that we see seniors walking the malls or exercise classes for seniors in wheelchairs.

2)  Government assistance and helpful agencies.  We commonly hear of social security and the meals on wheels program, but organizations like AARP offer information on a myriad of additional assistance agencies in which a a senior can receive help that would contribute to their quality of life.  By offering information on transportation assistance, exercise, etc. seniors have information that will assist them in living longer.

3)  A greater social connection.  We’ve always heard that churches offer a sense of belonging to people.  Many seniors are joining and taking part in these groups.  But outside of churches, seniors are choosing to live in senior centers that encourage a community environment.  Seniors are joining dating sites.  All of this can cut down on the loneliness and depression that can overtake our aging population.  Thus allowing them to live longer lives.

How can libraries and information agencies help address these issues?  I believe libraries can become a part of all three areas mentioned.  However, we must first of all make ourselves available as a resource.  My dream is that libraries offer, among all their other programs, a Senior Resource Center.  A place specifically for seniors where they can socialize, take part in programming geared toward their interests, read in large print or with an enhanced reader, and garner information specific to their needs.  We must make ourselves an indispensable part of their information solution.

Going back to my opening sentence, the demographic forces affecting aging vary for the differing minority groups.  The elder American Indian population, for instance, faces isolation from an urban, informed community.  Living on reservations, their lifestyle limits them not only from information, but services that could assist in their longevity.  Multigenerational family life common on reservations can possibly be both a benefit and detriment to the American Indian elder.  Many Elders find themselves in the role of caregiver to their grandchildren.  But their children find themselves in the role of sole supporter for their aging parents. The seniors are surrounded by family – which gives life, but are yet financially strapped and living at a poverty level – which decreases life.

The issues above are not ones that libraries or information agencies can fully solve.  We cannot provide financial assistance.  We cannot change the status of an Indian reservation, or change a cultural lifestyle or perspective.  However, we can help facilitate the movement and impartation of information that may, just may, be the catalyst of some change. Making ourselves available to provide any information, whether it be on a healthier way of life, or on government or helpful programs that would bring about positive assistance, is what we should be about.

Disability and Aging in Mass Media

On Disability…

“Have you ever tried to get somebody to listen to you when you’re disabled?”  This is the opening line to a commercial from Binder and Binder Disabiity Lawyers.  Television is actually chock full of commercials geared toward disability.  Why?  1)  The percentage of the population with disabilities has drastically increased.  2)  The percentage of seniors in our population has greatly increased.  3) Having a disability is now considered “normal” or “acceptable, and is no longer something one need try to hide, and 4)  Trying to get compensation for a disability even with the national laws in effect, is a struggle.

Reading the history of how people with disabilities were treated years gone by, we realize in watching television and movies that a great deal of progress has been made.  We watch a character who is blind and works for the FBI on Covert Affairs.  We see a disabled character in a wheelchair on Glee.  Dr. House walks with a limp and uses a cane.  A former medical show starred a character who was a doctor and used a crutch.  Marlee Maitlin is deaf and has had a successful acting career.  The movie “Battleship” gives us a character who was a war vet and had one leg.  The portrayals in television shows and movies are endless and give recognition to fact that disability, in whatever form, is a fact of life and cannot be shoved into a corner or pushed under a rug.

I think because of this openness and acceptance , there is a prominence of commercials geared toward disabilities.  We see the advertisements for scooters from the Scooter store, or the ads for motorized wheelchairs.  Specialty magazines geared toward disability and aging offer articles and tips as well as countless doodads and gadgets that assist people in magnifying their vision, or helping button clothes or tie their shoes.   Hundreds of online sites offer mobility, transfer, or lift devices, as well as online support groups for the disabled community.  Lifeline and other emergency help services are offered by commercials on television and radio.

All of these are helpful and of benefit to a person in need of them.  Most times, mass media is the only way a disabled person may know of things that are available as their disability limits their attempts to navigate the world.

Lastly, our veterans, disabled after serving our country, make up a large portion of our disabled community. The issues they suffer are a reality, and television and radio promos, commercials, documentaries, and even the news help us keep this in the forefront of our mind.  They also offer information on ways of assistance for these men and women that may not have been known before.

 On Aging…

To me, the older people have always had a degree of privacy that the younger generations don’t have.  They never really divulged much openly about their health, desires, money situations, or lifestyles.  It was never anyone’s business.  However, now that I’m noticing, I see more television commercials addressing issues that were formerly personal and private to the older generation.

Personal memories of years gone by recall the commercial of an older person laid out on the floor pushing a lifeline number and moaning “I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up.”  I recall the commercial for “Clap on, Clap off” to turn the lights on and off depicting a Senior that either they didn’t have the strength to get up to turn the lights on or off, or simply couldn’t do it.  I recall the hair dye Grecian Formula that took the gray away.

Now the commercials show Alex Trebec talking about life insurance, or Jaime Lee Curtis promoting Activia because it makes you regular.  The Hair Club for men reverses baldness.  There are even better hair dyes to get rid of the gray.  If television and movie stars are using these products, they must be acceptable and they must work.  A news blurb on Yahoo showed an 81 year old model walking the runway.  Magazine ads now display beauty products catered to older women so that they will continue to maintain their youth.  Infomercials offer products and services to allow one to remove 10 years from their life.  A famous actress demonstrates the use of bladder control wear.  One can join the internet dating scene “Our Time” just for the over 50 age group, and let’s not forget the countless times we see Cialis commercials.

Aging has become more acceptable.  And the issues that come with it are, as well.