General Accessibility
It is the library's policy to make its services available to
all who wish to use them and its staff will work with all users
to make that possible.
Handicapped parking spaces, automatic door operators, and
accessible restrooms are available at the Central and Hurlock
branches of the Dorchester County Public Library. We make sure
that the aisles are wide enough for wheelchair access at both
branches. At the two-story Central Branch, there is an elevator
providing access to the library from the lower lobby.
The library has a collection of large print books and audiobooks
in different formats including CD's, Playaways, and electronic
downloads. There is also a Braille collection for children, and
special children's books with both print and Braille text.
Equipment for those with limited vision is available for use
on-site, including a closed circuit television unit (CCTV) that
magnifies materials and a Kurzweil reader equipped for headphones.
Services to the deaf community include a telecommunications
device (video phone), and an assistive listening device in the
library's meeting room. A signer will be provided upon request
for any library-sponsored program, such as story times. Seven
days notice may be needed to arrange for a signer for any given
program.
The library's information staff is prepared to assist users
with questions related to obtaining materials and/or services for
many different needs. The library maintains materials on related
topics and issues and can obtain other materials through sources
including the Internet or the statewide interlibrary loan service.
The library staff is a source for information on additional agencies
able to offer assistance, such as Maryland Relay and the Deaf
Independent Living Association (DILA).
Assistive animals are welcome in the library.
Web Accessibility
Dorchester County Public Library is committed to ensuring that
our buildings, services and electronic resources are accessible for
all of our citizens and customers.
The library is also committed to ensuring that all new
web content is accessible.
Over the last decade, assistive technologies have matured
and standards such as the WCAG have been developed to create a list
of best practices for providing web content that is accessible.
With the help of partners from the Department of Library Development
and Services, the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, the
University of Maryland System and the Eastern Shore Regional Library, we
have tested our electronic services for compliance with the guidelines
outlined in WCAG 2.0. http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG/ using the CynthiaSays
software. The HiSoftware Cynthia Says portal is a web content accessibility
validation solution. It is designed to identify errors in website content
related to Section 508 standards and/or the WCAG guidelines. In most
respects, the library website met the standards. The library is continuing
to work towards full compliance.
Other Services
Library users may request materials from the Library for the
Blind and Physically Handicapped through the Dorchester County
Public Library by completing a form available at the Information Desk.
The library offers a books-by-mail program and pays for half
of the related postage costs for those with long-term physical
challenges that prevent them from visiting the library.
Let Us Know
We appreciate being made aware of any way in which we can better
serve library users with physical challenges. All recommendations in
this regard should be forwarded by the staff to Interim Director Frances Cresswell.
Library users may contact Ms. Cresswell directly by calling 410.228.7331
or through the Maryland Relay Service. The email address for Ms. Cresswell
is fcresswell@dorchesterlibrary.org. Correspondence should be addressed
to Dorchester County Public Library, 303 Gay Street, Cambridge, MD 21613.
If this information is needed in large print or other alternate
formats, please contact Ms. Cresswell as noted above.
Revised January 2013
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