Library Services For Persons with Disabilities

Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Users

  • We have text communication at the Reference Desk.
  • Closed captioned videos and dvds are available in our library media collection, 1st floor and on Reserve at the Circulation desk, 1st floor. Viewing stations with DVDs and videos are available in the Reference Lab area. Check out the RIT Libraries catalog to find captioned or signed videos on campus. he videos in our collection may be borrowed for up to 3 weeks.
  • Webcams with microphones are available in the Reference Lab 1, 27 and 37 and also the Via lab, 2nd floor. cube 4 and 6. There are two videophones next to computer #31 near Joan Naturale's office. Two other videophones are available in the Via Lab in the carrel area.
  • Internet relay services are available on all computers in the Bib and Via labs.
  • IM Services-You also may reach us  via the the Live Reference Help page. Also the Circulation Desk has IM service.

Wheelchair Users

An elevator is available for wheelchair users. No key is required on floors 1-4. A courtesy phone by the door to the staircase is available on the A-level for requesting assistance entering the Library from the basement level.Please call the Circulation Desk at 475-2562 (V) or 475-2962 (TTY). If there is no answer, please call the Reference Desk at 475-2563 (V/TTY).

Assistance in retrieving materials is available upon request (ask at the Circulation desk or call 475-2562 (V) 475-2962 (TTY) or email: circwml@rit.edu

You also may reach us using IM service via the the Live Reference Help page.  A Also the Circulation Desk has IM service.

Blind and Partially Blind Users

We have accessible databases with text to speech capabilities. For ex., we have Opposing Viewpoints, Ebsco , and SIRS databases with these features. Note that these databases as well as Ebsco and Proquest also have translation features (up to 10 different languages). Ebrary has a text to speech reader (download software).

Directions for ebrary: Within ebrary, select "My Settings", make sure that the option "When a document is opened in a reader use this one:" is using the ebrary Unity reader.

When you have a book opened in Quickview, then click on the blue "ebrary Reader" button. This will launch the Unity ebrary reader - if you have never used it before, it may step you through a quick install.

Once the Reader is opened, click on the speech tab and follow the instructions found when you click the ? button.

  • WebAnywhere  for audible Web browsing
  • ZoomText software which enlarges text
  • A CCTV and a VisualTrek which enables partially blind people to read independently by magnifying printed materials and microfiche.
  • If you need a tutorial on using any of these devices, contact Joan Naturale, 585-286-4635. Please indicate what type of services you need, ie, large print,  a voice interpreter or other services.

For more information contact:
Joan Naturale
Deaf, Disability and Education Librarian
jxnwml@rit.edu
IM me at ntidlibrarian

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