Westfield Athenaeum Library

ADA Services

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The library has a number of assistive devices and software programs to help people with disabilities use resources in the library. Handicapp parking and access are described below.

Computer
There is a specially designed computer station with a large print keyboard for the visually impaired, and a dedicated scanner.

Software Programs
There are adaptive computer programs to facilitate reading for those who are visually or learning impaired:

  • Jaws, a multi-lingual voice synthesizer that reads the computer screen to the user.
  • We have Kurzweil 1000 software (for the blind) and Kurzweil 3000 software (for people with low vision or learning disabilities), which converts scanned or electronic text to speech. Our Kurzweil 3000 also allows you to set the speed of reading while the program highlights the text.
  • Magic magnifies the print on the screen.

Special Materials
The Westfield Athenaeum has a wide collection of large type books, many audiotapes, and some descriptive (closed captioned) videos that are readily available.

Magnifiers
Illuminated Stand Magnifiers are available at the Information Services Desk.

TTY Phones
For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, we have a TTY Minicom IV Uniphone for local phone calls located at the Information Services Desk.

Handicap Accessiblitiy

Handicap parking spaces are located at the rear of the building at the beginning of the parking lot, which is located off of Court Street. An adjacent ramp allows accessiblity to the Boys & Girls Library; a staff operated lift allows access to the adult services section, including the adult library, the Elizabeth Reed Room & the Jaspar Rand Art Museum. An elevator in the adult area provides access to the second floor (Whitney Study and the Teen Loft) and the lower level (Lang Auditorium). If you are attending an event in the Lang, please give a little extra time as a second staff operated lift allows access to the Lang. A handicapped restroom is also located on the lower level. Please notify staff so that we may unlock it for you.