[Nfb-kzoo] Update on the Library Project

[Tyler merren]

Hey NFB Group,
Here is a quick, or not so quick, update on how things are going with the folks at the KPL.  JJ and I met with the group on Wednesday around 2:00 pm and discussed the suggestions that we had given them as involves the upgrading of their accessibility services.  The main purpose of the meeting was to "prioritize" the list in order that they have the capacity to put together a timeline to present to their other colleagues.

Both JJ and I felt that the first priority was the site licensing for Window Eyes and Zoom text, which would allow patrons who are blind or low vision to use the computers.  We also pointed out that this could open up job opportunities at the Library for persons who are blind or low vision.  The next recommendation was the magnifiers, and this was based off of the previous meeting where it was generally felt that many patrons even beyond the "legally blind" would benefit from this technology.  Their was then a discussion as to whether or not the Kurzwil or the KNFB readers should be next priority.  I don't know if a final decision was made, but we did emphasize to them that the standard Kurzweil 1000 was much more user friendly than the KNFB reader as it relates to persons who are not so tech savvy as some of our group.  Then the question of the Braille embosser was brought up, and the general tone from them was that this was low priority.  This changed quickly when JJ and I explained all the benefits of having a Braille embosser, such as brailing agendas for town meetings, menus for restaurants, and many other things.  They quickly began talking of multiple partnerships and extending this service to many groups, and after this, they felt that we may need to get 2 embossers for the work load.  We recommended 1 for now and then maybe another if the need is had.  The IPods that the library has are currently the 4th generation IPod nanos, which are fully accessible and they are excited about putting those out and training their employees on how to make them accessible for patrons that will require it.  Probably the lowest priority on the list was the Braille displays, but was still thought to be a necessary piece of equipment.

Throughout the conversation it was also determined that a hybrid approach of the current system and the previously intended system (completely integrated) would be taken.  The Blanch Freedman room will remain a room for accessibility, but more as the "hub" of the services provided.  This will be the place where the portable equipment can be checked out, where training can be done for the equipment, where Braille materials can be held, etc.  Yet with the new equipment, the services will extend to the entire library now and will be much more portible.

They also stated that they would like to be in full partnership with the Kalamazoo NFB in this project and that they would need our help in promoting everything when the timeline began and things started rolling out.  Kevin predicted a deadline of full function ability of mid summer.

I was also able to tactfully mention that we were more than willing to provide free training and services, but that we were a non-profit organization that survives on donations.  This was noted, and JJ emphasized that regardless of a donation or not, the Kalamazoo NFB was in this for the long hall and that we weren't going anywhere.  JJ and I both feel that a donation may be tricky, since it seemed that on hand they had a budget of around $15,000, which seems like a lot, but when you talk about buying all that equipment, this may be just enough to cover the basics.  On the other hand, they seemed to thing that grant money could be found as well, so we will see what happens.

Sorry for the length, and JJ, if I missed something, you can add in, but this sums up the meeting.

Tyler Merren
President of the NFB of Kalamazoo