Newsgroups: bit.listserv.notis-l
Date:         Fri, 4 Sep 1992 08:22:39 LCL
From:         Bob Jones <BJONES@UNF1VM.BITNET>
Subject:      Re: HANDICAPPED NOTIS WORKSTATIONS

At the University of North Florida we are concentrating primarily on
connectivity rather than on workstation configurations.  We have been
told that those who are at the college/university level probably
already have their own adaptive technologies (of choice).  We have
found that persons with disabilities would rather connect to our
systems and use their own familiar harware/software, rather than come
to the library and learn a new/different hardware software setup.

UNF has also provided the following:

1.  The computer center provides a no-charge CMS account to persons with
disabilities so they can communicate with most of the people on campus.
RiceMail is the e-mail carrier.  This somewhat alleviates the need
for TDDs in every office, and also serves a broader population than just
the hearing impaired.

2.  The Library has set up a CMS Library Request System so that
questions, hold requests, interlibrary loan requests, suggestions can
be forwarded to the Library (using the RiceMail carrier) from any
campus CMS account.  This system is also provided from the LUIS
menu system as a gateway service.

3.  From the CMS Library Request System and through both a CMS and
UNIX GOPHER system, all library handouts are available in
text display format.  All texts can be viewed, searched, and printed.

4.  Other accommodations include retrieval services (available at any
service desk), waiving of course reserve overnight circulation
restrictions so those who require a reader don't have to schedule such
services between midnight and 9 AM, and proxy borrowing.  The handicap
accessibility standards (section 504) are rigidly implemented.

UNF has a campus committee overseeing the ADA implementations.  We
have found that the resources of our Special Education department
have been particularly helpful in this area.  Recommendations are
actively solicited from persons with disabilities and others interested
in this area.  The committee evaluates and implements the changes.
Hardware/software solutions are implemented at locations which are
accessible, convenient, and non-hostile to persons with disabilities.
All implementations are mainstreamed without undue emphasis on the
exception or different nature of the service.  I was interested to
read on the CIRCPLUS list that at one institution services were being
withdrawn  from everyone because they couldn't be offered on an equal
basis to persons with disabilities.  I do not like this approach, but
would favor postitive, creative ways of offering the same or alternative
services.

Now about the workstation...My only advice is that it must use
text diplays rather than windows/graphical displays.  The
adaptive technologies are not yet sophisticated enough to read
bitmapped graphic displays with any measure of success.  Likewise,
pull down menus cause confusion because they destroy the context of
each line of text.

I have been trying to find out more about the NOTIS PACSearch Z39.50
workstation software...(with little success or cooperation from
NOTIS).  I have found that it is based on a windows/graphical
interface platform, which would make it inappropriate for sight
impaired persons using adaptive technologies.  From my research, the
mainframe LUIS system, however limited in function, is the ONLY text
format Z39.50 client to be available in the near future.  I feel that
any workstation software being considered for implementation in the
near future should be Z39.50 compliant.

'Hope this helps

Bob Jones   (904) 646-2552 : SUNCOM 861-2552 : FAX 904-646-2719
Head, Public Services Division, and Library Systems Coordinator
University of North Florida Library              P.O. Box 17605
4567 St. Johns Bluff Road, South         Jacksonville, FL 32216
BITNET: BJONES@UNF1VM  ::   INTERNET: bjones@unf1vm.cis.unf.edu
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