Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Users
- We have Interpretype at the Reference and Circulation desks to facilitate communication between signers and non-signers. It works like a TTY.
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Closed captioned videos and dvds are available in our library collection and on Reserve at the circulation desk. Viewing stations with DVDs and videos are available in the Reference Lab area. Check out the RIT Libraries catalog [1]to find captioned or signed videos on campus. Videos located at ETRR cannot be borrowed. The videos in our collection (3rd or 4th floor may be borrowed for up to 3 weeks).
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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.
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Internet relay services are available on all computers in the Bib and Via labs.
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Headphones available at the Via student desk, 2nd floor and Circulation Desk.
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Infrared Headphones available at the Circulation Desk.
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Wacom Tablet-Writing Tool available at the Reserve Desk.
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
[2]
You also may reach us using IM service via the the Live Reference Help [3]page. Add ritrefdesk to AOL, MSN or Yahoo buddy lists. 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 [4], Ebsco [5], SIRS [6] and Wilson databases [7] with these features. Note that these databases as well as Ebsco [5]and Proquest [8] also have translation features (up to 10 different languages). Ebrary [9]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.
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Headphones available at the Via student desk, 2nd floor and Circulation Desk
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Infrared Headphones available at the Circulation Desk
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Wacom Tablet-Writing Tool available at the Reserve Desk
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WebAnywhere [10] for audible Web browsing
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ZoomText software which enlarges text
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A CCTV and a VisualTrek which enables partially blind people to read independently by magnifying printed materials and microfiche.
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Books on audiotapes in the Idea Factory.
If you need a tutorial on using any of these devices, contact Joan Naturale, 585-563-3818. Please indicate what type of services you need, ie, Braille, large print and a voice interpreter.
For more information contact:
Joan Naturale [11]
Deaf, Disability and Education Librarian
jxnwml@rit.edu [12]
IM me at ntidlibrarian 
