[MD-Sligo] Center for Accessibility Newsletter | July 2026
DC Public Library
info at library.dc.gov
Tue Jun 30 18:00:12 UTC 2026
Happy Disability Pride! Celebrate with us!
Center for Accessibility Newsletter. July 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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July at a Glance
* *NOTE*: There is no VoiceOver Class on Thursday, July 2
* Celebrate Disability Pride Month with our signature programs throughout July!
* Accessible movie screenings all month long!
* Book clubs featuring the life and work of disability advocate, Alice Wong
* Intermediate ASL and VoiceOver classes for iOS throughout the Summer
* Exciting programs for children with or without disabilities and their families
* ASL Book Club on Wednesday, July 22 for book lovers who want to practice ASL
* ASL-interpreted Interactive "Swan Lake" for young children at MLK on July 28
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Disability Pride Month Header 2026 [ https://www.dclibrary.org/disability-pride-month ]
Celebrate Disability Pride Month with DCPL! [ https://www.dclibrary.org/disability-pride-month ]
We're honoring 36 years since the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with signature programs at MLK and our branches. See what's on offer for all ages this month and share in our disability joy!
To request any reasonable accommodations for our programs, please contact DCPLaccess at dc.gov or call 202-727-2142. Please allow at least seven (7) days for coordination of interpreters or captioning services.
*Browse Disability Pride Programs* [ https://dclibrary.libnet.info/events?t=%255B%2522Disability%2520Pride%2520Month%2522%255D&r=range&start=2026-07-01&end=2026-07-31 ]
Featured Disability Pride Events at MLK:
Banagrams game bag, shaped like a banana, with assorted tiles next to it
Accessible Game Meet-Up
Saturday, July 11, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
MLK Library, Center for Accessibility (Room 205-H)
Play accessible versions of board and card games such as Uno, Bananagrams, chess, and more with the Center for Accessibility!
Boards and cards are tactile and include braille labelling and other accommodations for low-vision and blind players. Open to all ages!
GH Disability Law Group
*Know Your Rights: Disability and How You're Protected (Virtual Program)*
*Tuesday, July 14, 6:30 p.m.*
With Attorneys Deepinder Goraya and Jessica Hunt-Khouri
Celebrate Disability Pride Month with a Zoom presentation and discussion on the rights of people with disabilities under federal and local laws, including how these relate to housing, employment, public accommodation, higher education, and digital accessibility. Presented in partnership with GH Disability Law Group [ https://ghdisabilitylaw.com/ ].
**ASL Interpretation will be provided*
*Register for the Zoom link* [ https://dc-gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/8xJIKCjkReKdmLglBMeL9A#/registration ]
Deaf President Now film poster
*Deaf President Now! - Film Screening and Discussion*
Thursday, July 16, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
MLK Library, New Books (1st Floor)
Run time: 1 hour, 40 minutes
PG-13
There will be a panel discussion at 7:30 p.m. following the film.
Join us in the New Books room to watch this intriguing documentary about one of the greatest civil rights protests many have never heard of. In 1988, when a hearing candidate was elected over deaf candidates, Gallaudet University students resisted, inspired a movement, and made history.
* *
*Panelists include:*
*Kari Cooke *is the Executive Director of the Office of Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing. She is very experienced in policy development and community engagement through her work with the Center for Disability Rights, National Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA), and U.S. Department of Labor affiliate programs. Her work focuses on supporting underserved communities, including Deaf youth, veterans experiencing homelessness, and individuals reentering society after incarceration.
*William "Billy" Ennis, PhD* is an Associate Professor in the departments of History and Arts & Humanities at Gallaudet University, dedicated to supporting Deaf students and fostering inclusive learning environments. His professional interests include Deaf education, inclusive teaching practices, and promoting student success. He is recognized for his work with students and his engagement in the Gallaudet community.
*Jannelle Legg, PhD* is an Assistant Professor of History at Gallaudet University with a joint appointment in the Schuchman Deaf Documentary Center. A Child of Deaf Adults (CODA), her work focuses on U.S. history, American religious history, and digital history, with a strong emphasis on documenting and preserving Deaf history and culture.
*Sensory notes: *Loud sounds, large crowd
**ASL Interpretation and CART (live captioning) will be provided*
SMART Home exhibit image
*Smart Home Exhibit - Showcase of Smart and Assistive Technology*
Friday, July 24, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
MLK Library, 1st Floor (New Books)
In celebration of Disability Pride Month, the Center for Accessibility, in partnership with the DC Assistive Technology Program [ https://www.uls-dc.org/programs/dc-assistive-technology-program ], is hosting its annual Smart Home Exhibit!
We'll showcase the latest smart tech designed to bring ease to everyday home activities, from some well-known tech like the Fire TV and the Apple iPad, to some less so well-known (but just as reliable) tech like:
* Claris Companion Tablet for remote support for caregivers and organizations
* Angel Sense GPS Tracker
* And more!
Get a hands-on feel for what might work for your home! For direct questions to The DC Assistive Technology Program you can reach them at the link above or at DemoCenter at uls-dc.org.
*Sensory note*: Hands on participation
**ASL Interpretation will be provided throughout the event*
Disability Pride Comedy Night 2026
*Disability Pride Comedy Night*
Thursday, July 30, 7-8:30 p.m.
MLK Library, 5th Floor
Our 5th annual Comedy Night is sure to be hilarious! Join us as we acknowledge 36 years since the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with a lineup of all comedians with disabilities from the District and beyond.
Lineup TBA
*Sensory notes: *Loud sounds, large crowd
*Ear plugs will be available
**ASL Interpretation and CART (live captioning) will be provided*
*Registration Recommended* [ https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/16698004 ]
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Get "wicked" with DCPL! Join us for our "Wicked" sing-a-longs
Elphaba and Glinda from Wicked
Friday, July 10 at 12 p.m. | *"Wicked"*
*Rated:* PG
*Running time*: 2 hours, 17 minutes
Friday, July 17 at 12 p.m. | *"Wicked for Good"*
*Rated:* PG
*Running time*: 2 hours, 21 minutes
*Location:* MLK Library, New Books, 1st Floor
Both of these films will have open captions displayed on the screen.
*Sensory Notes*: Loud sounds, large crowds
But Wait, There's More Accessible Film Screenings!
July accessible film How to Train Your Dragon
*"How to Train Your Dragon" (2025)*
Saturday, July 11 at 1:30 p.m.
MLK Library, Room 401-E (4th Floor)
Run Time: 2 hours and 5 minutes
Rated: PG
The film will be shown with ASL and open captions right on the screen.
*Sensory notes:* Loud sounds, Flashing lights
Accessible Film: Fantastic Four rescheduled July 30
"The Fantastic 4: First Steps"
Saturday, July 30 at 1:30 p.m.
MLK Library, Room 401-E (4th Floor)
Run Time: 1 hour and 55 minutes
Rated: PG
The film will be shown with audio description and open captions right on the screen.
*Sensory notes*: Loud sounds, Flashing lights.
To request other reasonable accommodations for these film screenings, contact us at DCPLaccess at dc.gov or 202-727-2142
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Book Clubs Featuring the Life and Work of Disability Activist Alice Wong
Year of the Tiger book cover
*Calendars and Clocks Book Club*
Monday, July 20 at 6:30 p.m.
MLK Library, Room 401-G (4th Floor)
The July Calendars and Clocks Book Club selection, in connection with Disability Pride Month, is Year of the Tiger by Alice Wong.
"Year of the Tiger: An Activist's Life" [ https://catalog.dclibrary.org/search/card?id=23bb2b03-79f8-5589-8017-42a59e461cd1&entityType=FormatGroup ] is as powerful as the person who wrote it. In Chinese culture, the tiger is deeply revered for its confidence, passion, ambition, and ferocity. That same fighting spirit resides in Alice Wong.
Drawing on a collection of original essays, previously published work, conversations, graphics, photos, commissioned art by disabled and Asian American artists, and more, Alice uses her unique talent to share an impressionistic scrapbook of her life as an Asian American disabled activist, community organizer, media maker, and dreamer. From her love of food and pop culture to her unwavering commitment to dismantling systemic ableism, Alice shares her thoughts on creativity, access, power, care, the pandemic, mortality, and the future. As a self-described disabled oracle, Alice traces her origins, tells her story, and creates a space for disabled people to be in conversation with one another and the world.
*Books are available for pick-up upon request to third-floor MLK staff within a month of the program date.*
Disability Visibility book cover
*Not-So-Lazy Sunday Book Club - Non-Fiction Reading Group*
Sunday, July 26 at 3 p.m.
MLK Library, Room 401-D (4th Floor)
This month, the Not-So-Lazy Book Club will discuss "Disability Visibility" [ https://catalog.dclibrary.org/search/card?id=bd05484a-3124-5ae7-a371-88a06c03d26c&entityType=FormatGroup ] by Alice Wong.
A groundbreaking collection of first-person writing on the joys and challenges of the modern disability experience: Disability Visibility brings together the voices of activists, authors, lawyers, politicians, artists, and everyday people whose daily lives are, in the words of playwright Neil Marcus, "an art ... an ingenious way to live." According to the last census, one in five people in the United States lives with a disability. Some are visible, some are hidden--but all are underrepresented in media and popular culture. Now, just in time for the thirtieth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, activist Alice Wong brings together an urgent, galvanizing collection of personal essays by contemporary disabled writers. There is Harriet McBryde Johnson's "Unspeakable Conversations," which describes her famous debate with Princeton philosopher Peter Singer over her own personhood. There is columnist s. e. smith's celebratory review of a work of theater by disabled performers. There are original pieces by up-and-coming authors like Keah Brown and Haben Girma. There are blog posts, manifestos, eulogies, and testimonies to Congress. Taken together, this anthology gives a glimpse of the vast richness and complexity of the disabled experience, highlighting the passions, talents, and everyday lives of this community. It invites readers to question their own assumptions and understandings. It celebrates and documents disability culture in the now. It looks to the future and past with hope and love.
Registrations are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.
*Registration Recommended* [ https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/15595415 ]
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Summer Intermediate ASL classes on Zoom
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 Classes – 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 6, 2026
**Note: No Class on July 2, 2026*
Intro: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Intermediate Drop-In and Apps: 12 - 1 p.m.
*To register please call 202-727-2142 or email DCPLaccess at dc.gov.*
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Programs for Children & Families
Down Syndrome Play Group 2 children doing art project
Down Syndrome and Friends Community Play Group - For Kids with Developmental Disabilities and Their Families
Saturdays, July 15th and August 22nd
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Lamond-Riggs Neighborhood Library
Families of kids with disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism, and developmental disabilities, are invited to play, read, and connect with resources together at the library!
We will have a variety of toys and themed activities so kids can play and create while families socialize and learn about local resources. Each session will open with a themed story time at 10:30 and close out with a dance party.
Themes for the summer sessions include:
*July 25:* Disability Pride Month
*August 22:* Back To School
This event is designed for families who have children ages 0-12. Siblings are welcome!
As space is limited, registration is required.
*Register for July 25* [ https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/16515362 ]
*Register for August 22* [ https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/16515363 ]
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Story Time for the Spectrum logo
Story Time for the Spectrum
Saturday, July 18th, 10:30 a.m.
Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library
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 July 18* [ https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/16377167 ]
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CPK Afternoon Story Time for the Spectrum image
Afternoon Story Time for the Spectrum
*Mondays, July 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th, 4 p.m*.
*MLK Library, Children's Room*
Join us in the Children's Room for a cozy afternoon story time designed for children of all abilities, especially children on the autism spectrum.
This sensory-friendly story time is designed to be enjoyed by kids of all abilities, especially kids on the autism spectrum!
We will read a story, sing songs, and dance.
Children and their grownups are encouraged to actively engage and participate in the ways that work best for them. This can include moving around the room rather than sitting down, communicating with AAC devices, and more!
Content is designed for children ages 2-7, but children of all ages are welcome to attend with a caregiver. Online registration is required as space is limited.
*Register for July 6* [ https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/16724873 ]
*Register for July 13* [ https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/16724874 ]
*Register for July 20* [ https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/16724875 ]
*Register for July 27* [ https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/16724876 ]
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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!
* 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, July 7, 10:30 a.m. - Cleveland Park
* Tuesday, July 14, 10:30 a.m. - Lamond-Riggs
* Tuesday, July 21, 11:00 a.m. - Northeast Library
* Tuesday, August 18, 10:30 a.m. - Cleveland Park
* Tuesday, August 25, 11:00 a.m. - Northeast Lbrary
* Tuesday, September 8, 11:00 a.m. - Northeast Library
* Tuesday, October 20, 11:00 - Northeast Library
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Programs for Adults in ASL
James book cover, featuring bold yellow text on a black background
ASL Book Club
Next Meeting: Wednesday, July 22, 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 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.
*Our July title is "James" by Percival Everett *
*Abstract:*
When the enslaved Jim overhears that he is about to be sold to a man in New Orleans, separated from his wife and daughter forever, he decides to hide on nearby Jackson Island until he can formulate a plan. Meanwhile, Huck Finn has faked his own death to escape his violent father, recently returned to town. As all readers of American literature know, thus begins the dangerous and transcendent journey by raft down the Mississippi River toward the elusive and too-often-unreliable promise of the Free States and beyond.
While many narrative set pieces of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" remain in place (floods and storms, stumbling across both unexpected death and unexpected treasure in the myriad stopping points along the river’s banks, encountering the scam artists posing as the Duke and Dauphin…), Jim’s agency, intelligence and compassion are shown in a radically new light.
*The book is available in the DCPL collection in the following formats*:
* Book
* Large Print
* eBook
* eAudiobook
*Check out the book* [ https://catalog.dclibrary.org/search/card?id=f7ada611-df2a-5c35-99c0-feb5bbdf1b29&entityType=FormatGroup ]
*Register for the ASL Book Club* [ https://dc-gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/ZGkRuvrmR5qwNPR6zWYnOA#/registration ]
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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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More ASL Interpreted Events at DCPL
Virginia Ballet MLK Library Tues July 28
Selections from "Swan Lake" with Virginia Ballet Company
Tuesday, July 28, 11 a.m.
MLK Library, 5th Floor, Auditorium
Join the student dancers of Virginia Ballet Company for excerpts from this Tchaikovsky classic and a chance to show off your own skills!
*Ideal for ages 3-6. Open to everyone!*
This program will be ASL interpreted. For other reasonable accommodation, contact the Center for Accessibility at 202-727-2142 or DCPLaccess at dc.gov.
*Registration opens July 1* [ https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/16626579 ]
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