[nfbmi-talk] FW: [Nfb-kzoo] Update on the Library Project

Wed Apr 29 03:01:45 UTC 2009

Hello,

Here is a great report on a project to assist the Kalamazoo Library
accessible to blind people.  This is a great example of how a local chapter
can do cool things.

My kudos to Tyler and the K-zoo chapter.

Warmest Regards,

Fred

-----Original Message-----
From: nfb-kzoo-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfb-kzoo-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of J.J. Meddaugh
Sent: Monday, April 27, 2009 12:25 PM
To: NFB of Kalamazoo Michigan List
Subject: Re: [Nfb-kzoo] Update on the Library Project

You covered it well. They sounded like they would be probably making the 
down payment now with additional outreach through grants and others in the 
next year or two. I also forwarded pricing for network licenses of Zoomtext 
for their consideration.

J.J. Meddaugh - ATGuys.com
A premier Licensed Code Factory distributor
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tyler merren" <twmerren at gmail.com>
To: "NFB of Kalamazoo Michigan List" <nfb-kzoo at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, April 24, 2009 9:22 PM
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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