Library Services to Patrons with Disabilities

The Preston White Assistive Technology Learning Center

The The Preston White Assistive Technology Learning Center (AT Lab) provides assistive technology for students and faculty with visual, physical, or learning disabilities. Users have access to programs such as screen readers, screen magnifiers, dictation, scanning for text to speech, and word prediction, and to hardware including video magnifiers, a Braille embosser, Braille display, ergonomic keyboards, and alternative mice. Lab assistants are available to help users with the equipment. A PC with a text magnifier is also available in the Library Learning Commons Lab.

The AT Lab is a collaborative effort of the Michael Schwartz Library, the Office of Disability & Testing Services, and the Occupational Therapy Program. In order to use these facilities you must be a student registered with the Disability Services Office at Cleveland State or doing coursework that includes the study of assistive technology.All users must be able to provide a valid CSU Viking Card.

See also Rules for Use of the Assistive Technology Lab.

Cooperation with Office of Disability & Testing Services

The Office of Disability & Testing Services (Rhodes Tower West 210) cooperates with the Michael Schwartz Library to provide services and guidance to students with disabilities. The Office of Disability Services provides training on the use of the assistive technology made available in the library. The Michael Schwartz Library provides aid to retrieve books from the stacks and strives to comply with best practices for making all resources accessible to patrons with disabilities.

Appointments can be made with individual librarians for in-depth research assistance. If you need assistance when coming to the library call ahead to reserve a time slot. Assistance with basic reference materials is on a first-come first-served basis. If a Disability Services representative does not accompany a student, the Library staff may be available to help in retrieving materials. If a Library staff member is not available at the service desks, the student should contact the Library and Research Help Desk at (216) 687-2478.

CCTV Viewer

The Video Magnifier, or CCTV, located near the Tech Help desk in the Learning Commons Lab, enlarges print and applies a variety of contrast options. Video magnifiers assist in reading textbooks, class notes, and other printed materials.

Other Technology for Accessibility

Technology is installed in locations around the library to provide access to our services for patrons with disabilities.

The Digital Design Studio in RT 301 provides equipment to students who wish to listen to music or watch videos. A raised study table allows for wheelchair access. Students needing information or assistance may ask at the Digital Design Studio service desk.

ZoomText screen magnifier is installed on computers in the LCLC and the public assistive technology workstation on the first floor near the Tech Help Desk.

Emergency Plan

A written evacuation plan is available upon request from the the Library and Research Help Desk, located on the first floor of the Library.