Adaptive Technology & Accessibility

The Brockville Public Library's current strategic plan is focused on improving collections and services for our seniors and retirees.

The Brockville Public Library building is fully accessible with a ramp to the front door, handicapped buttons to open exterior doors and an elevator to reach the second floor. Both floors have wheelchair accessible washrooms. All our walkways are wheelchair and walker friendly. There is also a fully accessible ramp leading out from a fire exit on the second floor.

The Brockville Public Library received its accreditation under the Ontario Public Library Guideline Program in 2007 with an average of 96.7% for a five-year period. The accreditation indicates that we have met or surpassed over 100 guidelines dealing with policy, planning, resources, services, and accessibility.

We have also earned a 5-star rating by the EQA.

Adaptive Technology

Adaptive technology is any piece of equipment that eliminates or diminishes barriers to information, and maximizes independence. We have a number of products, software and hardware, designed specifically for the purpose of providing enhanced access to our many services and collections.

ZoomText Software

If you have difficulties with the small print on computers and the Internet, please ask about our ZoomText Internet Stations. Currently two of our sit-down stations and one of our Express Stations are equipped with this software. The Internet stations equipped with ZoomText are also equipped with 22" large screen monitors. Additionally one of our sit-down stations is equipped with a ZoomText keyboard sporting yellow keys with large black letters. The top row of this keyboard has hot keys to control the ZoomText software.

In addition, one of our word-processing stations is loaded with the ZoomText software.

Reservations for these stations can be made at the Reference Desk.

Illuminated Stand Magnifier

We have a magnifier & light combination unit where regular print books can be read more easily due to the concentrated light and magnification possibilities.

Video Magnifier
We have recently received a generous donation of a Video Magnifier. This unit is a low vision solution for those living with macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and other eye conditions. It can help patrons continue important everyday tasks such as reading magazines, books, newspapers, as well as aid in the writing of checks, letters or other documents (government forms, etc). The machine will magnify, highlight, change the contrast of the document, etc. Please ask at the Information Desk for more details.

Hand Held Magnifying Glasses

Please ask at the Information Desk for one of our hand held magnifying glasses.

Reading Lamps

Reading lamps are available in all our study carrels.

Collections & Loan Periods
We have a large selection of books in large print (hard & soft cover) and talking book formats (on cassette and CD). We also have a music CD collection and a video collection in both VHS and DVD format. **Patrons have the option of selecting ENGLISH subtitles on almost all the movies in DVD format. This can aid those hard of hearing.

Loan periods for regular print, large print, and talking books, can be extended, upon request, for those who require longer periods.

Services
Shut-In Service

Coordinated by library staff and delivered by volunteers, this service is geared toward those who are home-bound and unable to visit us. It is designed for patrons who are confined to their homes for more than three months due to age, disability or illness. The library will deliver regular and large print books, talking books on cassette or CD as well as music CD's and cassettes. This service is not available to people living in retirement or nursing homes.

Remote Access to our Catalogue

Patrons can now search our catalogue from home if they have access to the Internet, a library card, and PIN # (please obtain your pin number at the Circulation Desk). You also have the ability to place holds from home.

**Patrons can place holds on materials that are currently available in the library. Four hours after the hold has been placed, or when we open the next business day, your holds will be waiting at our self-serve hold shelf reading for you to sign out. Caregivers may find this service helpful, in that the books can be chosen by one person and picked up by another.

Free Internet Use

Explore the world wide web on our Internet computers. You can sign up for one-hour sessions or use one of our quick 15-minute Express Stations. At our senior's web page you can find sites chosen specifically with your needs in mind at www.brockvillelibrary.ca/seniors.htm

One-on-One Internet Training

If you need help getting online, FREE Internet training is available. Our volunteer can help you get an email address and get you on your way to surfing the web.

Enhanced Reference Service

If any assistance is required obtaining book from the shelves please ask one of our staff and we would be more than happy to help you.

Research

On our website we have dedicated a page geared towards the interests of seniors.

We also offer remote access to our catalogue, newsletters, book columns, and online research databases.

Sensitivity Training

Members of staff have completed a "Through our Eyes" sensitivity workshop to strengthen our understanding of the needs of seniors and people with disabilities.