Update, September - October 2003

Access for All is saddened to report that we have ended our collaboration with Assistive Technologies, Inc. When the partnership is formally dissolved and all accounts settled, I'll share more details on how I'm moving forward. I will, of course, continue to work on and refine my concept of universal access in libraries and my vision - as well as the practical realities - of accessible library workstations. Please know that Access for All is committed to honesty, excellence in service, and thoughtful, complete devotion to making information access better and easier for your staff and your users alike. I'll listen to you and work with your realities. Sincerely, Audrey J. Gorman

Why AccessInfo?

Based on anecdotal information from from libraries around the country, we concluded that many people, both staff and users, were not satisfied with the use of assistive technology installed for the public. We scanned the needs of libraries and the needs of users groups with disabilities as well as family, friends and providers of related services. We examined the technologies available. We used the combined experience of a company called Assistive Technologies, Inc., and Access for All to distill both problems and solutions usually applied. For example, we focused on the broad range of disabilities, not only low-incidence disabilities. Together, we settled on a package that we felt solved the perennial problems of typical installations. You may find some of the pieces in the offerings of others, but no one else puts the whole puzzle together as completely. Talk to Access for All! The difference will be clear.

Critical Differences
	Focus on the whole community Focus on high-incidence disabilities Training for staff at all levels Elimination of guesswork and wasted staff time

Components
	Premium training package - 30 hours Hardware that’s hand-picked to be reliable and sturdy Software chosen for flexibility, power, and compatibility Adjustable, ergonomic furniture and accessories Prompt delivery and expert installation One year of support

Customer Stories
	From March-May 2003 the Naperville (IL)Public Library piloted the AccessInfo System in the Nichols Library. See the accompanying photo, taken by Manny Pare of Assistive Technologies, Inc. Public reaction included: "Wonderful! Needed for people with disabilities!" "Thanks for the trackball."