Welcome
to the MELSA disability awareness resources page!
Maintained by the MELSA Accessibility Task Force
This page includes:
- Links to videos, apps, tip sheets, webinars, quizzes, articles, and other documents that address general customer service topics to better serve persons with various disabilities as they access library resources and services.
- Organizations to contact for more in-depth information and assistance.
- Information for staff and patrons about access to assistive technology from local organizations and at each library system. Links to helpful apps and other digital content are also included.
We hope both new and experienced staff will find the content on the site informative and inspiring. It will continue to evolve as training needs and additional resources are identified.
Information for anyone:
People First Language – Articles about using People First language which encourages a focus on the person before the disability
Responding to Disability – Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) produces publications to inform people about a variety of disability issues such as employment, disability awareness, and emergency preparedness. (38 pages with pictures, 13 questions, and answers)
Disability Etiquette – Tips On Interacting With People With Disabilities (36 pages)
Disability Sensitivity – Informative instruction video on how to interact with people with disabilities. (03:00)
Tips for Customer Service – True/false quiz to help you make the best choices when meeting someone with a disability. (11 questions)
Disability Etiquette Handouts – Best practices for providing excellent customer service. (1-3 pages each)
Disability Etiquette in the Workplace from Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
ADA Training Resources – a variety of training opportunities to increase your knowledge of the ADA.
Inclusive Presentation Skills – tips for delivering more inclusive presentations. Feb 1, 2018, MSFTEnable – Microsoft YouTube Channel, Published on Sep 4, 2018 (2:16)
Here are Some Dos and Don’ts of Disability Language – Article from Forbes about Dos and Don’ts of Disability Language
For librarians:
ADA National Network – “At Your Service: Welcoming Customers with Disabilities” is a self-paced webcourse for people interested in discovering best practices for working with customers you have disabilities. (Free, but setup of a login is required; includes pre-test, 15 topics that can be completed individually, and post test.)
ADA Quick Tips – Customer Service Quick Tips for Front Line Staff Serving Customers with Disabilities
ASCLA AccessAbility Academy – Positive Interactions: Making the Library a Welcoming and Empowering Place for People with Disabilities
Universal Library Access – Making Library Resources Accessible to People with Disabilities. (~ 3 pages)
PANDA Minnesota Adult Basic Education Disability Specialists
Project Enable – Professional online development for teachers, librarians
Library Service to Special Population Children and their Caregivers: A Toolkit for Librarians and Library Workers – Created by ALSC Committee for Library Service to Special Population Children and Their Caregivers (Chapter 16 – pages 16-20, and Chapter 32 – pages 31-35)
Future Cities Canada – Accessible public spaces
Finding help for all disabilities
State and Local:
Disability Hub MN — Free statewide resource network that helps you solve problems, navigate the system and plan for your future.
MN Department of Human Services Resources — Helping people live as independently as possible so they can continue to be a part of the communities in which they live.
Disability Minnesota — A single entry point to over 100 Minnesota state agency programs, products, and services that are devoted to the range of disability issues.
MinnesotaHelp.info — Services for people with disabilities or chronic illnesses, and for their families and representatives.
Minnesota Council on Disability — Minnesota’s premiere disability-related technical resource.
Pacer Center Resources — Assistance to individual families, workshops, materials for parents and professionals.
Minnesota Disability Law Center — Addresses the unique legal needs of Minnesotans with disabilities.
Minnesota STAR Program (Minnesota Department of Administration)
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (Minnesota Department of Human Services)
MN State Services for the Blind
Minnesota Legislative Reference Library Resource List
ACT on Alzheimer’s (Dementia Friends)
Project Enable — Professional online development for teachers, librarians
PANDA — Minnesota Adult Basic Education Disability Specialists
Federal:
ADA Information and Technical Assistance — Information and technical assistance for the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Great Lakes ADA Center — Training in a variety of formats to meet the needs of individuals with diverse learning styles.
The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) — The only non-regulatory federal agency that promotes policies and coordinates with employers and all levels of government to increase workplace success for people with disabilities.
ADA Training Resources – a variety of training opportunities to increase your knowledge of the ADA.
County:
Anoka:
Developmental Disability Services — Information on resources available.
Carver:
Carver County Health and Human Services — services and programs designed to protect and maintain the health and welfare of County residents.
MnCHOICES — A single, comprehensive assessment, and support planning web-based application for long-term services and supports in Minnesota.
Dakota:
Aging and Disability Services — Community Living Services for people of all ages and abilities.
Developmental Disabilities Services — Social Services determines eligibility for services and assesses the needs of adults and children with developmental disabilities.
Adult Mental Health — Phone numbers for adult mental health resources and assessment.
Children’s Mental Health — Assesment services and resources.
Autism Spectrum Disorder — Resources, links and community connection toolkit.
County’s ASD Resources & Links page — Links to resources, learning modules, and toolkits.
Hennepin:
Services for people with disabilities — List of resources for people with disabilities and their families.
Ramsey:
People with Disabilities — Resources list for independent living.
Mental & Behavioral Health — Comprehensive intake and behavioral health services.
Scott:
Disability Services — Information about disability services.
Health & Human Services — List of all health and human services.
Mental Health Center — An outpatient community mental health clinic which provides diagnostic assessment, therapy, and consultation services.
Washington:
Disabilities Adult/Child/Senior and Developmental — A list of county resources.
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Resource List
Community Resource Guide: Adult/Disabilities Division — Resource guide for the community.
Library:
Vision
Information for anyone:
Perkins School – Tips for Working with Individuals with Visual Impairments (3 min)
Learning About Blindness — Interacting with patrons with vision impairments (6 min).
Statistical Facts About Blindness in the United States (website) (5 min)
For librarians:
Blindness and Low Vision: What You Need to Know — The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA), a division of the American Library Association, is the premier destination for ALA members to find information and build capacity to serve populations that are served by state library agencies, libraries serving special populations, library cooperatives, and library consultants. (4 min)
Finding help:
American Federation for the Blind – Technology Resources for People with Vision Loss (1 min)
State Library Services for the Blind — MN Employment and Economic Development State Services for the Blind Library services resource. (2 min)
Information on State Assistance — Assistance for Minnesotans who are blind, DeafBlind, losing vision, or who have another disability that makes it difficult to read print. (5 min)
Vision Loss Resources — Videos on living with vision loss homepage. (1 min)
Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library — Providing direct library services to preschool age children to seniors with visual, physical and reading disabilities for whom conventional print is a barrier to reading. (2 min)
National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota — The state’s largest and oldest organization of the blind. It provides self-help programs for blind people of all ages and activities. (2 min)
Blindness: Learning In New Dimensions (BLIND), Inc. — Nationally-renowned training center for blind individuals of all ages. (2 min)
Resources for visually impaired/blind seniors — from State Services for the Blind. (2 min)
Hearing
Information for anyone:
NIDCD Hearing, Ear Infections and Deafness — The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders offers information on hearing-related diseases and conditions as well as devices and services for people with hearing loss.
Hearing Loss — The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has information on hearing loss in infants and children and on hearing loss prevention.
DeafBlind 101 — An Introduction to Combined Hearing and Vision Loss (Web Tutorial, 86 pages)
TPT: Hearing Loss Matters — Age-related hearing loss is more than a personal inconvenience; it’s a public health issue with wide-ranging social impacts. Learn why directly from those affected by hearing loss as they explore communication and treatment options. Not compatible with Internet Explorer. (26:40)
Hearing Assistive Technology — The Hearing Loss Association of America offers a series of captioned videos on hearing assistive technology as well as other information on hearing loss. (9 videos)
- Technology in the Workplace (2:09)
- Technology for Patients (2:51)
- Technology for Retirement and Leisure Time (2:00)
- Assistive Listening Technology (3:10)
- Large-Area Assistive Listening Systems (2:26)
- Assistive Listening Devices for the Phone (2:26)
- Alert Systems for People with Hearing Loss (2:00)
- Captions for People with Hearing Loss (3:08)
- Assistive Listening Solutions for Work (2:40)
Learning ASL:
Handspeak – Find an ASL dictionary, topics related to sign language, and a free app at Handspeak.
American Sign Language University – Free ASL lessons, with video demonstrations of signs and ASL teaching materials.
StartASL.com — This site offers free ASL lessons and downloadable workbooks as well as paid courses.
Apps for Learning ASL — List of the best apps for learning sign language.
American Sign Language for Kids Resources —
Resource for learning beginning ASL aimed at a child audience, including a 100-word sign language dictionary and videos on signing about subjects such as school, colors, and animals. Also offers a free app with in-app purchases.
For librarians:
Deaf Community and Culture and Best Practices for Libraries — This webinar from the San Jose State University School of Information features presentations on Deaf history, community, and culture, and a discussion of best practices for library services to the Deaf community. (webinar, 2 hrs.)
Working with deaf patrons — Tips to help you determine the best approach for communicating with deaf patrons individually and in programs. From Gallaudet University.
Finding help:
Minnesota Department of Human Services Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division — Services and information to help Minnesotans who are deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing and their families.
Charles Thompson Memorial Hall — Connect with the deaf community at Charles Thompson Memorial Hall, one of the oldest Deaf Clubs in the world.
Interacting with people who are deaf and hard of hearing:
MDHHS Deaf Culture and You Video — Illustrates the mainstays and nuances of Deaf Culture, with a focus on understanding the “whats and whys” as well as expectations. Presented by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. (video 3:32)
Communication Tips — This video demonstrates some things that you can do to communicate more effectively with someone who is deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing. From the Minnesota DHHSD. (video 7:15)
Communication Tips: When Talking on the Phone with People who are Hard of Hearing — This video has practical examples of how to communicate with someone with a hearing loss on the phone, using a role play of a hard of hearing customer calling to order a pizza. From the Minnesota DHHSD. (video 9:04)
Physical
Information for anyone:
Amputee Coalition Fact Sheet — Information detailing the trends and most current rates of amputation and diabetes in Minnesota.
National Stroke Association Booklet — A Practical step-by-step booklet that explains how a stroke happens, different types of stroke and how to prevent a stroke.
For librarians:
Accessibility Toolkit — Compiled by the National Disability Authority (NDA), an independent statutory body provides information and advice to the Government on policy and practice relevant to the lives of persons with disabilities.
Interacting with Persons with Physical Disabilities — Practical tips for interacting with persons with physical disabilities from the Council of Ontario Universities.
Finding help:
Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) — MCIL Advocacy Program to assist people who have any sort of disability.
Minnesota Spinal Cord Injury Association (MNSCIA) — Committed to enriching the lives of people in Minnesota who have been impacted by spinal cord injury or paralysis.
Minnesota Stroke Association — Offering services and support in a variety of categories.
United Spinal Association — Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of all people living with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including veterans, and providing support and information to loved ones, care providers and professionals.
Interacting with people with physical challenges:
Disability Etiquette — Tips On Interacting With People With Disabilities (36 pages)
Mental Health
Information for Anyone:
MN Department of Human Services – Adult mental health services (2 pages)
Mental Health America – Mental health information on an extensive list of topics. (6 pages)
Mental Health Minnesota (2 pages)
Mentalhealth.gov – Mental health information from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (6 pages)
MN Association for Children’s Mental Health – Mental health resources by topic. (4 pages)
NAMI – National Alliance on Mental Illness Minnesota: resources on mental health topics and issues. (10 pages)
National Center for Access Unlimited – Ten Commandments of Interacting with People with Mental Health Disabilities (2 pages)
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – NIMH, a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), research on mental health. (2 pages)
Psychology Today – Article on strategies for communicating effectively with people with mental illness. (7 pages)
TED Talks – A collection of TED Talks (and more) on the topic of mental health. (24 videos; 6 hours, 11 minutes total)
For Librarians:
Caring for the Mind: Providing Mental Health Information At Your Library – Resources from the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (scroll down for 57 minute video)
Libraries as Mental Health Hubs – Article from the American Psychological Association. (7 pages)
Mental Illness in the Library – 10 tips for improving services to and relationships with patrons with mental illness. (4 pages)
Reducing the Stigma of Mental Health at the Library – article from the American Library Association Public Programs Office. (4 pages)
Video series by the California State Library:
Mental Health Initiative Video Series (53:26)
Establishing a Positive Staff Culture Around Mental Health (6:31)
The Do’s and Don’ts of Interacting with Patrons Affected by Mental Illness (15:43)
How to Establish Positive Relationships with Disruptive Patrons (12:14)
Exploring Compassion Fatigue (7:48)
Successfully Addressing Customer Complaints About Patrons Affected by Mental Illness (7:15)
Finding Help:
Mental Health First Aid – support and resources for people with mental health or substance use problems. (4 pages)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline — National network of local crisis centers providing free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. (4 pages)
United Way 2-1-1 – Search a database of contact information for organizations and agencies offering mental health help in Minnesota as well as other health and human services. (5 pages)
County Crisis Lines:
Anoka County Crisis Line – 763-755-3801 (2 pages)
Carver County Crisis Line – 952-442-7601 (1 page)
Dakota County Crisis Line – 952-891-7171 (2 pages)
Hennepin County Crisis Line – 612-596-1223 (adults) 612-348-2233 (children) (6 pages)
Ramsey County Crisis Line – 651-266-7900 (adults) 651-266-7878 (children) (1 page)
Scott County Crisis Line – Mental Health Crisis 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM call 952-496-8481 for crisis appointment during business hours. 4:30 PM to 8:00 AM call 952-818-3702 for Scott County Crisis Response mobile services. (3 pages)
Intellectual / Developmental / Cognitive
Information for everyone:
The Arc: Autism Now — Autism Now fact sheets on topics of importance to people with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities. Available in English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese. ( ~10 pages)
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that becomes evident in early childhood or adolescence. It is part of the spectrum of Tic Disorders and is characterized by motor and vocal tics. Website, number of pages, some articles-varying lengths, some videos-most about 3 minutes long, some 30 minutes or more.
University of Illinois Library libguide to Tourette’s — A Resource Guide from the University of Illinois on Tourette’s syndrome with suggested reads, websites, databases, and assistive technology. Some links are to sources at the University of Illinois so may need to be checked to see whether access is available in Minnesota.
Videos:
Amazing Things – Animated shorts on Down’s Syndrome, Dyslexia, and Autism, each video 3-5 min.
Developmental Disabilities Association Video — Developmental disability awareness video.(02:50)
A Day in the Life — An Educational resource about the experiences of children and adults with intellectual disabilities. (03:26)
Introduction to Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities – The Arc Minnesota (44:41)
Learning About Learning Disabilities — The Learning Disabilities Association of Toronto District (LDATD) video on learning disabilities. (09:39)
Not Special Needs – This PSA, created for World Down Syndrome Day by Italian nonprofit CoorDown, explains why the expression “special needs” doesn’t make much sense. (2:00)
For librarians:
Keeping Up With…Neurodiversity
The “Many Faces of Autism” course, free through the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence, describes characteristics of autism spectrum disorder and highlights simple strategies and skills for interacting with people with autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. (90 minutes) Access to additional course available by emailing asd.dhs@state.mn.us to request a free subscription.
ALA Webinar Providing Services to People Living with Alzheimer’s
Library Programs for Teens with Disabilities Presented by Renee Grassi from Dakota County Library, Joe Houlihan from St. Paul Public Library, and Gao Yang from St. Paul Public Library (5/9/17) — Learn about providing teens with disabilities a great experience in your library. Gain insights on how to adjust for potential barriers and ways to be inclusive and engaging. See examples of tools and apps. (1:31:25)
Webinars and papers:
Memory Care and Technology — A PLA on-demand webinar on Innovative Ideas to Reach Senior and Alzheimer’s Communities.
Rails: Inclusive Programming — Free webinar on developing inclusive library programming. This webinar will provide participants with the tools to make basic, yet effective changes to their programming in order to create an inclusive library atmosphere for adults with developmental disabilities.
Library Services for Patrons with Alzheimer’s/Dementia — A guide on how to create programs, services and provide resources to better serve those with dementia.
Apps:
The easy to use My House of Memories: US app is free and allows you to explore objects from the past and share memories together. It can be used by anyone, but has been designed for, and with, people living with dementia and their caregivers.
Videos:
Understanding the Diversity of Library Customer Needs — The Ontario Library Association provides a tactful and common sense approach to recognizing that some patrons require different means of accessing information.
Finding help:
MNDA Council on Developmental Disabilities — Information, education, and training to build knowledge, develop skills, and change attitudes that will lead to increased independence, productivity, self-determination, integration, and inclusion (IPSII) for people with developmental disabilities and their families.
MN Disability Benefits 101 — Disability Benefits 101 helps people with disabilities learn how income may impact benefits so they can make informed choices, reduce fears, and ensure work is part of the plan. (website)
MNEED Vocational Resources — Assistance with preparing for, finding and keeping a job, and living as independently as possible. (website)
The Arc: MN Disability Programs & Resources — Listing of programs and resources in Minnesota for those with disabilities.
PACER: Disability Organizations Resource List — List of disability organizations is updated annually by PACER Center. (14 pages)
Dementia Friends — Global advocacy changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. (website)
Interacting with people with intellectual/developmental/cognitive disabilities:
Communicating with People with Disabilities — Effective communication practices. (1 webpage with some links)
Accessible Customer Service Brochure — Serving customers with intellectual or developmental, learning or mental health disabilities guide from the University of Windsor. (2 pages)
People With Intellectual Disabilities: A Digital Story — Video addressing the stigmas of people with intellectual disabilities to build public awareness. (03:28)
National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD) Disability Awareness video – Tips to remember when working with individuals with an intellectual disability. (02:15)
Devices & Software
Information for anyone:
System of Technology to Achieve Results (STAR) within the Minnesota Department of Administration links:
Understanding Assistive Technology
Device Loan
Tools for the Future
Simon Technology Lending Library – Pacer Center
ADA Training Resources – a variety of training opportunities to increase your knowledge of the ADA.
AT3 Center – News & Tips
Assistive Technology Industry Association – AT Resources
Easterseals Crossroads: Taking on Disability together – Three podcasts (AT Update, Accessibility Minute, AT FAQ) plus Tip Tech videos
Assistive Technology Planning – Technology for HOME (T4H) offers a team approach to person-centered assistive technology (AT) consultation and technical assistance to help individuals with disabilities live more independently.
Assistive Technology Coalition – Information on technology that makes life accessible for people with disabilities.
The Center For Accessible Technology – focused on access to computers and technology for people with disabilities.
The Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology (PEAT) – is a multi-faceted initiative to foster collaboration and action around accessible technology in the workplace.
For librarians:
LinkedIn Learning Accessibility Tutorial – Overview of assistive technology equipment.
Additional resources for staff professional development (fees or membership may be required):
Assistive Technology Industry Association – AT Webinars
Closing the Gap – Conference, online Webinars and news
Apps and Other Digital Content:
Accessibility for Computers and Documents:
Windows Access Customizing Windows 10 for Accessibility and Ease of Access
Microsoft – Information and online training on built-in accessibility features as well as information on assistive technologies.
Apple – Information on built-in accessibility features as well as information on assistive technologies.
Firefox accessibility features
Accessible Word Document Training
State of Minnesota IT Training: Creating Accessible Documents
Apps for All Disabilities:
Apps for Vision Disabilities:
Hadley technology help for users with low vision – Using the vision accessibility features on an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.
Accessible Mobile Apps – Living with Vision Loss – resources from the American Foundation for the Blind
Smartphone Apps and Resources for People with Vision Loss or Impairment National Council for Safety, Protection and Wellness resources
Libby app – How the Libby app provides an inclusive reading experience
Google’s Reading Mode app – more information about Google’s Reading Mode app
Apps for Physical Disabilities:
Shepard Center Resources – List of apps that can be useful to people with brain injury, spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis when used in conjunction with a therapist and therapy program.
We appreciate your feedback
And your suggestions! Email DisabilityAwarenessSite@melsa.org.
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