[MD-Sligo] Center for Accessibility Newsletter | September 2026
DC Public Library
info at library.dc.gov
Tue Sep 1 18:16:06 UTC 2026
Center for Accessibility Newsletter: September Edition
"The Center for Accessibility assists individuals with disabilities to access programs, services, and collections at all branches of 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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September at a Glance
* Talking Book Corner, with our teen volunteer, Layla Stephens
* Art Enables at 25 exhibit opening coming in October!
* Accessible movie screening of" The Mandalorian and Grogu "
* NFB-Newsline available for blind and low vision readers to access newspapers and magazines from around the world
* ASL Book Club virtual meeting on Wednesday, September 23
* Other accessible events around town including an ASL Interpreted Job Fair, Employment First Summit, Latine Conference, and Voting Accessibility Summit!
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*New* Talking Book Corner!
Bravo Book Cover
Book Review by Layla Stephens
Teen Volunteer, Center for Accessibility
"Bravo: Poems About Amazing Hispanics
"By Margarita Engle
*NLS Talking Book Number: DB88894*
*Age range: All ages*
Do you need inspiration or a pick-me-up? Check out "Bravo: Poems About Amazing Hispanics" by Margarita Engle. Bravo is an 18-poem collection of lesser known Hispanic or Latino people who made a difference in the world. It is only 39 minutes long, but it is motivational and uplifting. It also has great imagery, metaphors, and similes. You will learn about multiple famous teachers, poets, activists who fought against slavery and for equal rights for women, even a soldier at Yorktown who helped cure scurvy, and more. I love how none of these people gave up despite them being poor, despite them being persecuted, discriminated against, and hurt, they still chose to try to make a difference. They put in their blood, sweat, and tears trying to make the world a better place. We really owe them credit and recognition.
* Find in the NLS online catalog [ https://search.nlscatalog.loc.gov/instances/24b92a77-2c70-5860-b627-d8819adcbd8b?option=keyword&query=bravo%20margarita ]
* DC NLS readers [ https://www.dclibrary.org/using-the-library/dc-talking-book-and-braille-program-nls ] can check out "Bravo: Poems About Amazing Hispanics "on the BARD app or request it on a cartridge by calling 202-727-2142 or emailing DCPLaccess at dc.gov
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Grounding Our Dreams, Dreaming New Ground: Art Enables at 25!
Grounding Dreaming Banner
Opening Reception
Wednesday, October 7, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
MLK Library, 5th Floor, Event Space, Circulation Space
Join us for an opening reception to celebrate the exhibit *Grounding Our Dreams, Dreaming New Ground: Art Enables at 25*, on view on the fifth floor of the MLK Library through January 18, 2027.
*Register for the Reception* [ https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/17063820 ]
*About the Exhibit: "Grounding Our Dreams/Dreaming New Ground: Art Enables at 25" *
Art Enables supports the creative and professional growth of artists with disabilities. The organization is driven by the knowledge that Washington, D.C.’s relationship to the arts is made richer, more complex, and more urgent because artists with disabilities are here, creating.
In 2026, Art Enables celebrates its 25th anniversary at the same time America celebrates its 250th. In this context, as D.C.’s only studio and gallery representing artists with disabilities, Art Enables is thrilled to present "Grounding Our Dreams / Dreaming New Ground" in collaboration with the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, an institution core to the city’s cultural identity. The exhibition "Grounding Our Dreams / Dreaming New Ground" explores a dual reality: the grounded, lived experiences of individuals with disabilities in context with the drive to dream toward something new. These two concepts — the quotidian and the imagined, the what is and the what could be — exist together, often showing up explicitly in the artists’ bodies of work as various dualities. Past and future. Earth and sky. Confinement and expansiveness. Shadow and highlight.
At this event, artists and representatives from Art Enables will gather for an informal tour and celebration of the new exhibit. Light refreshments will be served. This event, and the DC Public Library Art and Exhibits Program, are made possible in part with support from the DC Public Library Foundation.
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Accessible Film Screening at MLK
film flyer the mandalorian and grogu
"The Mandalorian and Grogu"
Saturday, September 19, 1:30 p.m.
Room 401-E
With audio description and open captions
Rated: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hours, 12 minutes
*Sensory note: Loud sounds, large crowds, flashing lights
To request other reasonable accommodation for this program, please contact DCPLaccess at dc.gov or call 202-727-2142.
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Programs for Children & Families
Accessible Game Meet-Up image
NEW! Accessible Game Meet-Up
Saturdays, September 19, October 17, November 14, December 12
3:30 – 5 p.m.
Center for Accessibility, Room 205-B
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.
To request a reasonable accommodation for this program, please contact DCPLaccess at dc.gov or call 202-727-2142.
Registration is optional, but recommended so we know how many people to expect.
*Register for 9/19* [ https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/17229387 ]
*Register for 10/17* [ https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/17229388 ]
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Special Olympics Young Athlete in Tunnel
Special Olympics Young Athletes Playgroup- An Early Childhood Play Program
Mondays, September 14, 21, and 28
4-4:30 pm
MLK-Children's Amphitheatre
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.
*Register for 9/14* [ https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/17229192 ]
*Register for 9/21* [ https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/17229193 ]
*Register for 9/28* [ https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/17229194 ]
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*Registration is not required, but it will help us know how many people plan to attend. You can reach the Center for Accessibility at (202) 727-2142 or DCPLaccess at dc.gov.*
Down Syndrome Play Group 2 children doing art project
Down Syndrome and Friends Community Playgroup - For Kids with Developmental Disabilities and Their Families
Saturday, October 17
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 have a variety of toys and themed activities so kids can play and create while families socialize and learn about local resources. Each session opens with a themed story time at 10:30 and closes out with a dance party.
These events are designed for families who have children ages 0-12. Siblings are welcome!
As space is limited, registration is required.
*Register for 10/17* [ https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/17061018 ]
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Story Time for the Spectrum logo
Story Time for the Spectrum
Saturdays, October 31 and December 12
10:30 a.m.
Chevy Chase 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 ways that work best for them.
This can include moving around the room instead of sitting down, communicating with AAC devices, and more!
October 31st is Halloween! Families are encouraged to come in costume!
December 12th we will have a fun Winter theme.
Content is designed for children ages 2-8, 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 10/31* [ https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/17092131 ]
*Register for 12/12* [ https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/17092133 ]
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CPK Afternoon Story Time for the Spectrum image
Afternoon Story Time for the Spectrum
Mondays, October 5 and 19
4-4:30 p.m.
MLK- Children's Amphitheatre
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 way 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 for each program, 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 10/5* [ https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/17228968 ]
*Register for 10/19* [ https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/17228969 ]
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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!
* 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:
* Wednesday, September 16, 11:30 a.m. - Southwest Library
* Tuesday, September 22, 11:00 a.m. - Northeast Library
* Tuesday, October 20, 11:00 a.m. - Northeast Library
* Wednesday, October 21, 11:30 a.m. - Southwest Library
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NLS Corner
DA2 Machine
Many Faces of BARD Program: Introducing the Web Player
Thursday, September 3,
7-8 p.m.
Virtual Discussion via Zoom
The topic for September will be "Introducing the Web Player." After the 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://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Foutlook.office.com%2Flocal%2Fpath%2Ffile:%2FC:%2FUsers%2Fmschw%2FAppData%2FLocal%2FMicrosoft%2FWindows%2FINetCache%2FContent.Outlook%2F328WQQ3P%2Fnlspes@loc.gov/1/0101019dda674aab-6de35bbb-45ef-415b-a4a8-0963415b3425-000000/IfT8FD4B2wdjNE6KjaLNEnbeLa73QC1r9pL7vbX8viQ=452 ]
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NFB-Newsline Now Available
NFB newsline logo2
Would you like to listen to the reading of newspapers, magazines and other important information?
NFB-Newsline is a free service for blind and low vision people. The service includes 450 newspapers from across the country and around the world. It has a wide variety of 50 magazines. Along with these, it contains T.V. listings, department store circulars, weather reports and job listings.
There is also a DC Information Channel that provides local and national announcements as well as newsletters of special interest to the blind and print disabled community.
NFB-Newsline can be accessed using an iOS Mobile App, online via a computer, a touch-tone phone, an Amazon Echo, or the Victor Reader Stream.
Anyone who is blind or low vision is eligible to sign up for NFB-Newsline. If you are interested in doing so, or you would like more information, please email:
Kathy Gosselin at Nfb.newsline at dc.gov or call the Center for Accessibility, at 202-727-2142.
If you are a Washington DC resident, Kathy will fill out the NFB-Newsline application with you and sign you up. If you are a resident of another state, she will tell you who to contact to sign up.
NFB-Newsline is a great resource for news and information. Kathy encourages
you to subscribe, and looks forward to hearing from you!
Questions? Contact:
Kathy Gosselin
NFB-Newsline Administrator for Washington, DC
Nfb.newsline at dc.gov
202-727-2142
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Programs for Adults in ASL
Tom Lake Book Cover
ASL Book Club
Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 23, 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 September title is "Tom Lake: a novel" by Ann Patchett *
*Abstract:*
In the spring of 2020, Lara's three daughters return to the family's orchard in Northern Michigan. While picking cherries, they beg their mother to tell them the story of Peter Duke, a famous actor with whom she shared both a stage and a romance years before at a theater company called Tom Lake. As Lara recalls the past, her daughters examine their own lives and relationship with their mother, and are forced to reconsider the world and everything they thought they knew.
Tom Lake is a meditation on youthful love, married love, and the lives parents have led before their children were born. Both hopeful and elegiac, it explores what it means to be happy even when the world is falling apart. As in all of her novels, Ann Patchett combines compelling narrative artistry with piercing insights into family dynamics. The result is a rich and luminous story, told with profound intelligence and emotional subtlety, that demonstrates once again why she is one of the most revered and acclaimed literary talents working today.
*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=3f75b96e-73b7-54cc-a2a7-52adf581d529&entityType=FormatGroup ]
*Register for 9/23 ASL Book Club* [ https://dc-gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/QEyPyXlTTqmFAwyWu-GqQg ]
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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 Job Fair at Anacostia Library
Job Seeker Registration
Job Fair
Thursday, September 17, 12:30-4 p.m.
Anacostia Library, 1800 Marion Barry Ave SE
*ASL Interpretation will be provided throughout the event
**Only online resumes accepted- no paper resumes*
*Register as a Job Seeker* [ https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/16691800 ]
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DC’s 2026 Employment First Summit
Disability Employment Summit 2026 image
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
MLK Library
The Summit will offer an engaging and enriching experience filled with practical skills, valuable resources, networking opportunities, creative and interactive learning, and ideas for building more inclusive workplaces. This event welcomes people with disabilities of all ages, family members, service providers, advocates, educators, policymakers, employers, District government staff, and community leaders. Together, you will learn, celebrate successes, and build connections that help both employers and people with disabilities.
*Register for the Summit* [ https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/R5faGiRN93 ]
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8th Annual Latine Conference for People with Disabilities
Annual Latine Conference People with Disabilities screenshot
*DATE: *Saturday, September 12, 2026
*TIME: *12 to 4 p.m.
*LOCATION: *Rita Bright Family and Youth Center, 2500 - 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009.
You will have the opportunity to learn about services, resources and supports available to people with disabilities and their families in DC.
*WHAT TO EXPECT:*
* Community Resources
* Health and Wellness Resources
* Food
* Book Bags
* Games
* Giveaways
The event will be held in Spanish with ASL and English interpretation available at no cost. If you need accommodations or have any questions, please contact Carla McCaskill at (202) 710-3049 or carla.mccaskill at dc.gov
*Register for the Conference* [ https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/AvJhf1UURq ]
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voting accessibility language access summit flyer
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Voting Accessibility & Language Access Summit
Saturday, September 19, 2026
12 - 3 p.m.
In recognition of Disability Voting Rights Week, this free event will provide information and resources to help ensure every eligible voter can confidently access the voting process.
*LOCATION:*
DC Board of Elections
1015 Half Street, SE, 7th Floor
Washington, DC 20003
*PARTICIPANTS WILL:*
* Learn about voting rights and available accommodations
* Explore language access services
* Receive a demonstration of the Ballot Marking Device (BMD)
* Have the opportunity to register to vote
* Connect with Board of Elections staff and accessibility resources
*NEED AN ACCOMMODATION?*
If you require an accommodation or language interpretation services, please contact:
Kenia Flores
ADA and Language Coordinator
kflores at dcboe.org
202-617-9708
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