This article was published in the O’Fallon Weekly, written by circulation clerk Sage:

Throughout this article, I will use both “disabled person” and “person with a disability.” I personally use “disabled” to describe myself. Follow the preferences of disabled people/people with disabilities and use the language they choose to describe themselves. 

I’ve spent most of my life in and around the disabled community, and probably just as much time in libraries. Libraries are often an important resource for disabled individuals and their families and making sure people with disabilities can enjoy the full range of the libraries services is a priority for many library workers. As a disabled, autistic library employee, I’m particularly proud of how we work to equitably serve all members of our community here at the O’Fallon Public Library. 

My hope is that by highlighting some of the tools and services we can bring awareness to the importance of accessibility in public spaces. It is vital that people with disabilities are able to enjoy the same rights and comforts as able-bodied people, including the many fantastic resources the library provides. As an additional bonus, many able-bodied people find accessibility tools that improve the lives of disabled people, improve their accessibility too! 

As someone who occasionally uses a cane, I make it a priority to know where the elevator is. But physical accessibility is about more than elevators, it’s about having wheelchair accessible toilets, many places to sit, with and without armrests, clear, direct, and wide smooth walking paths and handrails. We have large, visually contrasting hanging signs along with wall-mounted braille inscriptions for blind or visually impaired patrons. Our indoor and outdoor spaces, including our Children’s department, have been designed to comfortably accommodate wheelchair users or individuals with other mobility aids. Our computers come with standard accessibility features to improve contrast, font size, and visual (instead of auditory) notifications.  

We offer large print books, audiobooks, e-books with customizable font size, dvds/blu-rays with visual descriptions, and lightweight LED magnifiers. Illinois offers a program for all state residents called the Talking Book and Braille Service (TBBS) that provides large, lightweight audiobook readers with easy-to-use buttons and settings through the mail (at no cost!) along with physical braille books. Patrons can then request multiple audiobooks that then are sent directly to them on a plug-and-play cartridge. TBBS patrons can also use an app called BARD to listen to audiobooks on their phones. 

For O’Fallon Public Library’s homebound patrons, weekly deliveries of held items (and their returns) can be scheduled through our public services manager, Stephanie. For dyslexic patrons, all of our e-books come with an option to change the font to OpenDsylexic, a font designed for improved readability. We also have an extensive digital and physical audiobook collection. For patrons of all ages with sensory sensitivities, sensory bags are available to use in the library. Our magazine room, with its mesmerizing bubble wall serves a quiet space for patrons who may feel overstimulated by the bustle of the main floor. Upstairs, while occasionally busy, is also a quieter space. 

Libraries offer patrons a kind of social accessibility, as a space to learn and grow, to challenge our ideas about the world and ourselves, to expand our perspectives. They also offer practical kind of accessibility: access to computers, wi-fi, printers, fax machines, storytime, teen and adult volunteer opportunities, summer reading, books, educational games, dvds, audiobooks, telescopes, sewing machines, blood pressure cuffs, and more. It’s important that we keep that access truly open to everyone in our community. Healthy communities are connected communities and welcoming communities. Stop by the library and get connected: we’re building a future with space for all.