[Nfb-kzoo] Update on the Library Project

Mon Apr 27 17:48:21 UTC 2009

Tyler,
Thank you for this excellent report.  
I am pleased and honored to be a part of this chapter.  The work that we
are doing is amazing!  I hate to say "we" because I have not done much,
but you guys are going to make it possible for people in Kalamazoo to
say that they are members of the NFB Kalamazoo, with pride!  That is
something that money simply cannot buy!  

Thank you J.J. and Tyler, and Tim too.  
Christine

-----Original Message-----
From: nfb-kzoo-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfb-kzoo-bounces at nfbnet.org]
On Behalf Of Tyler merren
Sent: Friday, April 24, 2009 9:23 PM
To: NFB of Kalamazoo Michigan List
Subject: [Nfb-kzoo] Update on the Library Project

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
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