Washington, DC. The U.S. National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (NCLIS) will conduct a hearing on Library and Information Services for Individuals with Disabilities. The Commission recognizes that recent advances in information technology have improved conditions for some people with disabilities while presenting new challenges to others. Commission members wish to explore the gamut of issues raised in order to develop policy recommendations to appropriate government agencies and other organizations.
The hearing will take place on Thursday, July 8, 1999 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., in the Kellogg Conference Center, Gallaudet University, 800 Florida Avenue, NE, Washington, DC. Members of the public are welcome to attend. While the Commission has chosen as the site of the hearing one of the nation's foremost educational facilities for the deaf, the focus of this event goes far beyond individuals with hearing disabilities. Commission members wish to hear from individuals with disabilities of all types, as well as from legislators, educators, parents, library and information service professionals, representatives from national associations and organizations, volunteers, physicians, and researchers.
"The Commission recognizes that information technology provides help for many disabled individuals," said Commission Chairperson Jeanne Hurley Simon. "Electronic text can be manipulated in ways that print cannot to assist persons with disabilities. Information technology can also help to eliminate distance and physical barriers."
Libraries and librarians perform an indispensable role in connecting disabled individuals to the information resources they need to lead productive, independent lives. According to Commissioner C.E. (Abe) Abramson, "Libraries have a responsibility to meet the special needs of users with physical, learning and other disabilities. The Commission wants to hear, first hand, of the various kinds of assistance being provided by libraries to persons with permanent or temporary disabilities, including assistance in ordering materials in alternative formats, searching and retrieving materials (both online and print), accessing library buildings and parking facilities, providing adequate space for study and testing, and furnishing special equipment."
Persons interested in presenting oral statements should notify Barbara Whiteleather by e-mail, telephone 202-606-9200; or fax 202-606-9203. Written comments will be accepted before, during, or up to 30 days after the hearing. All comments must be received at NCLIS no later than the close of business on August 9, 1999 to become part of the hearing record.
The U.S. National Commission on Libraries and Information Science is a permanent, independent agency of the Federal government charged by Public Law 91-345 to appraise the adequacies and deficiencies of current library and information resources and services and to advise the President and Congress on national and international library and information policies and plans.