[MD-Sligo] Center for Accessibility Newsletter | May 2026

Wed Apr 29 18:01:42 UTC 2026

ASL interpretation at the DC History Conference, accessible movie screenings and more!  

Center for Accessibility Newsletter. May Edition

"The Center for Accessibility assists individuals with disabilities to access programs, services, and collections at all branches of the DC Public Library. For information about requesting accommodations, including sign language interpreters, please visit the DC Public Library Accessibility Page. [ https://www.dclibrary.org/accessibility ]"

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May at a Glance

  * DC History Conference at MLK Library May 1 and 2 - ASL Interpreted! 
  * Join our online ASL classes via Zoom until the end of summer 
  * Accessible movie screenings- including Star Wars Mondays! 
  * Exciting programs for children and families - including a new location for our popular Special Olympics Young Athletes Play Group! 
  * ASL interpreted drumming event with Taiko for young children at Lamond-Riggs Library, May 20 
  * NLS Corner: Many Faces of BARD Virtual Discussion on Typing Text Using a DA2 Machine  

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DC History Conference flyer
DC History Conference at MLK Library on May 1 and 2 - ASL Interpreted!

The DC History Conference welcomes students, community members, educators, artists, storytellers, and cultural heritage workers to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library for this FREE, two-day event.

The DC History Conference’s mission is to highlight outstanding recent scholarship and engagement with the history of Washington, DC and to share that knowledge with an interested community of scholars, neighbors, students, history enthusiasts, policy makers, activists, artists, and more.

Since 1973, trained scholars and community members have had the opportunity to present their work at this welcoming annual gathering. This interdisciplinary community conference prioritizes the local city but includes the federal city, as well as nearby Maryland and Virginia.

*The event is free and open to the community, but registration is required.*

ASL interpreters will be provided for all sessions.  For other reasonable accommodations for a disability, contact us at DCPLaccess at dc.gov or 202-727-2142.

*Register for the DC History Conference* [ https://conference.dchistory.org/register ] 

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Join us online for more Beginner and Intermediate ASL classes on Zoom!

ASL Class Virtual1 
Beginner ASL (Online)

May 7 – July 9 (Thursdays), 12-1 p.m. *Instructor: Florence

Learn some basic signing skills, up to 100 vocabulary words, and rules of grammar. Although focus is on beginners, everyone is welcome to join the class, regardless of skill level.

*Register for Beginner ASL* [ https://dc-gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/8HIxRR-yT4y-lSImfmEEww ] 

ASL Class Virtual2 
Intermediate ASL (Online)

July 6 – August 24 (Mondays), 12-1 p.m.  *Instructor: Bronte

To get the most out of the class, participants should have completed a Beginning Level class or equivalent and be comfortable having a basic conversation in ASL.

*Register for Intermediate ASL* [ https://dc-gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/YIcAvwn4TVeA1H33m6NbOg#/registration ] 

*IMPORTANT:* Please make sure you have a working web cam on your computer before you sign in to the classes.  In order to get the most out of learning ASL, the instructor needs to be able to see the participants and the participants need to be able to see each other as well as see the instructor. 

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VoiceOver and Braille Classes – Spring/Summer 2026 

Center for Accessibility, 2nd Floor
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

Patron listening to phone using VoiceOver  

*VoiceOver for iOS: Thursdays*  

June 4 - August 13, 2026

Intro: 1 - 2 p.m.

Intermediate Drop-In and Apps: 2:15 - 3:15 p.m.

Photo of a braille slate, stylus, and pages of printed braille  

*Beginner Braille: Saturdays*

November 8, 2025 - June 13, 2026 

10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Learn the Braille alphabet; how to work with a slate and stylus; and use a Perkins brailler

*To register please call 202-727-2142 or email DCPLaccess at dc.gov.*

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Accessible Film Screenings in May!

Assessible Film Flyer - Fantastic Four 
The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)

Saturday, May 16 at 1:30 p.m.
MLK Library, Room 401-E (4th Floor)

Run Time: 1 hour, 55 minutes

Rated: PG

The film will be shown with audio description and open captions right on the screen.  

Accessible film flyer - Star Wars Mondays 
Star Wars Mondays!

MLK Library, New Books

All films will be shown with open captions

All Ages are welcome

*May 4th*

11 a.m. "Rogue One"

2 p.m. "A New Hope"

*May 11th*

11 a.m. "The Empire Strikes Back"

2 p.m. "The Return of the Jedi" 

*May 18th *

11 a.m. "Solo"

2 p.m. "Space Balls"

To request other reasonable accommodations for these film screenings, contact us at DCPLaccess at dc.gov or 202-727-2142.

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Programs for Children & Families

Special Olympics Young Athlete in Tunnel   
Special Olympics Young Athletes Playgroup

Fridays, 4-5 p.m.

May 1, 8, 15

**New Location added: Bellevue Neighborhood Library!*

This early childhood play program provides children with and without intellectual disabilities the same opportunities to advance in core developmental milestones through fun activities. Through play, children develop important skills for learning, like sharing, taking turns, and following directions.

Parents and caregivers, please expect to stay with your children during the program.

**Registration is not required, but it will help us know how many people plan to attend. You can reach the Bellevue Library at (202) 243-1185.*

Braille Club image smiling boy  

Youth Braille Club 

Friday,  May 15, 4-5:30 p.m.
MLK Library, Room 205-B

Low vision and blind kids in grades K-12 are invited to Braille Club! We will read together, play tactile games, make crafts and more! No prior braille knowledge is needed.

THEME for MAY:  

Mystery May!  Dare to try our a-MAY-zing scavenger hunt! We will also decorate cookies!

RSVPs are helpful, but not required.

Contact the Center for Accessibility with questions or for reasonable accommodations at DCPLaccess at dc.gov or 202-727-2142.

Down Syndrome Play Group 2 children doing art project 
Down Syndrome and Friends Community Play Group

Saturdays 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
May 16
Lamond-Riggs Neighborhood Library

Families of kids with disabilities, including Down syndrome and developmental disabilities, are invited to play, read, and create art together at the library!

We will have a variety of toys and art supplies so kids can play and create while families socialize and learn about local resources. This event is designed for families who have children ages 0-12. Siblings are welcome! 

*Register for 5/16 Playgroup* [ https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/15080193 ] 

Story Time for the Spectrum logo 
Story Time for the Spectrum

Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. and 
Mondays at 4 p.m.

May 9 (Cleveland Park)
May 11 (MLK) 
May 18 (MLK) 
May 23 (Chevy Chase)

All children and their families are invited to this fun story time, packed with sensory-friendly activities designed to be enjoyed by children of all abilities, including those on the autism spectrum.

We will read a story, sing songs, and dance. Children and their grownups are encouraged to actively engage and participate with the stories and activities during the program in the ways that works best for them.

Content is designed for children ages 0-5, but children of all ages are welcome to attend with a caregiver.

*Online registration is required as space is limited.* If you have any questions or would like to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact DCPLaccess at dc.gov

*Register for 5/9 Story Time* [ https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/15747928 ] 

*Register for 5/11 Story Time* [ https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/16406661 ] 

*Register for 5/18 Story Time* [ https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/16406662 ] 

*Register for 5/23 Story Time* [ https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/16025865 ] 

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ASL Story Times at DCPL! 

Children and teacher signing ASL together 

We sign and vocalize our stories and songs.  No knowledge of ASL is needed! These fun story times are for kids ages 2-5 with caregiver. 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library:

Unless otherwise noted, all ASL Story Times at MLK Library during 2026 will be held on the following Mondays at 11 a.m. in the Children's Room on the 2nd Floor!

  * May 18 
  * June 1 
  * July 13 
  * August 10 
  * September 14 
  * October 5 
  * November 2 
  * December 14 

ASL interpreters will be present.  For other reasonable accommodations, contact DCPLaccess at dc.gov or 202-727-2142.

Neighborhood Libraries:

  * Tuesday, May 19  11:00 a.m.   Northeast Library 
  * Tuesday, June 9  11:00 a.m.  Northeast Library 
  * Tuesday, July 14  10:30 a.m.  Lamond-Riggs Library  

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Programs for Adults in ASL

book cover All the Colors of the Dark 

ASL Book Club

Next Meeting: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 6 p.m.

Virtual Program

Do you love to read and talk about books?  Are you interested in participating in an online book discussion in American Sign Language?  If so, this book club is for YOU!   Come join us for an ASL Book Club on Zoom every other month on a Wednesday evening from 6-7 p.m. ET.

The next ASL Book Club is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 6 p.m.  ET. The ASL Book Club is facilitated by librarian Janice Rosen from the Center for Accessibility.

NOTE:  Even if you do not know sign language, you are welcome to join us. Voice and automatic captioning will be provided.

The book for May 27, 2026 is *"All the Colors of the Dark", by Chris Witaker* 

*Abstract:*

1975 is a time of change in America. The Vietnam War is ending. Muhammad Ali is fighting Joe Frazier. And in the smalltown of Monta Clare, Missouri, girls are disappearing. When the daughter of a wealthy family is targeted, the most unlikely hero emerges—Patch, a local boy, who saves the girl, and, in doing so, leaves heartache in his wake. Patch and those who love him soon discover that the line between triumph and tragedy has never been finer. And that their search for answers will lead them to truths that could mean losing one another. A missing person mystery, a serial killer thriller, a love story, a unique twist on each, Chris Whitaker has written a novel about what lurks in the shadows of obsession and the blinding light of hope.

.

*The book is available in the DCPL collection in the following formats*:

  * Book 
  * Large Print 
  * eBook 

*Check out the book* [ https://catalog.dclibrary.org/search/card?id=66fc1e6b-375f-57db-8ded-0cb0682057b2&entityType=FormatGroup ] 

*Register for the ASL Book Club* [ https://dc-gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/MSN3W3IPSY2q5nK78u7QKg ] 

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ASL fingerspelled 
Ongoing ASL Classes at Francis A. Gregory Library!

Fun, informal, inclusive, interactive, in-person ASL learning at the Francis A. Gregory Library through December 2026!

  * Beginning Level: Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. 
  * Intermediate Level: Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. 

These classes are organized by the Francis A. Gregory library.  Please visit their page [ https://www.dclibrary.org/plan-visit/francis-gregory-library ] for the latest class dates and times. If you have any questions about those classes please reach out to them by email at francisgregorylibrary at dc.gov or by phone at 202-698-6373. 

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ASL Interpreted Events at DCPL

Taiko Program at Lamond Riggs May 20 flyer 

Taiko Adventure!

Wednesday, May 20th, 5-6 p.m.
Lamond-Riggs Library

The National Theatre Live at the Library presents Taiko Adventure! With Mark H. Rooney. Discover full-body drumming based in the Japanese tradition.

Best for ages 3-6

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NLS Corner

DA2 Machine  
Many Faces of BARD Program: Typing Text Using the DA2

Virtual Discussion via Zoom

Thursday, May 14, 7-8 p.m.

The topic for May will be “Typing Text Using the DA2.” After a presentation and demonstration, the session leaders will take your questions about all things BARD for the remainder of the hour.

The program will begin at 7 p.m. eastern time and last for one hour. NLS will record the program.

*Join the Meeting* [ https://loc.zoomgov.com/j/1606945179?pwd=EH2KEjihYhALNg5ttf816aKuPGgndc.1 ] 

Remember that the meeting is recorded. Do not speak if you do not wish to be on the recording. If you wish to speak, you may request to do so by raising your hand.

*Questions? Contact:*
Tamara Rorie
Head, Patron Engagement Section
tror at loc.gov or nlspes at loc.gov [ https://outlook.office.com/local/path/file:/C:/Users/mschw/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/328WQQ3P/nlspes@loc.gov ]

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