Accessibility provides an equitable experience for all users. It can be helpful to frame accessible services by first considering the principles of universal design. Universal design ensures services are useable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.
The Centers for Disease Control's (CDC) Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), revealed that more than 1 in 4—over 70 million—adults in the United States reported having a disability in 2022. This translates to over 2,952,335 adults in Pennsylvania and libraries should be thoughtful to the full range of disabilities, and not just a few. Consider finding local partners, vendors, or creating an advisory group with real experience across a variety of disability areas.
Disability Resources empowers individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have the necessary resources to lead fulfilling lives.
Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services assists Pennsylvanians who are blind or visually impaired gain the skills necessary to live and work independently in their communities.
PA Resources provides many services for people who may need help in their day-to-day lives.
PA Accessibility Policies makes its digital content and services accessible to people with disabilities.
PA Accessibility Best Practices establishes specific standards and encourages agencies to address accessibility proactively.
The W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) has developed standards and support materials to help anyone who creates and publishes online content understand and implement accessibility.
American Library Association (ALA) provides a robust list of tools and resources for libraries who are adapting to meet the diverse needs of their users
ALA guide for serving patrons with disabilities in small and rural libraries.
ALA resources include toolkits, virtual and in-person workshops and strategic planning sessions for library staff to address diversity, equity, and inclusion needs to ensure that your library's goals are intentional.
Library for Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians (LAMP) partners list includes a list of local disability service providers.
The Library Accessibility Alliance (LAA) promotes equitable access to library services and electronic resources.
The Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians (LAMP) offers people who cannot access the printed word a way to restore their love of reading by shipping for free materials in accessible formats like braille, audio, described movies and large print directly to patrons across Pennsylvania.
LAMP | Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians
LAMP Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
LAMP Free Library of Philadelphia