Interest: Disability Access
Michigan State Parks Lead the Nation in Accessible Recreation
Published: February 21, 2024
Did you know that Michigan state park system has the most accessible recreation options in the United States! The Michigan DNR (Department of Natural Resources) now owns 25 track chairs, which is more than any other state. Track chairs are rugged transport machines that have tracks, much like a snowmobile, and are meant for off-the-main-trail adventures. Track chairs can navigate sand, snow and woodland trails, making it easier for those with disabilities to enjoy more of our beautiful state. Don’t forget to use your Ypsilanti District Library card for Michigan Activity Passes when planning your next great adventure! MAP allows …
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July is Disability Pride Month
Published: July 24, 2023
In the United States 1 in 4 adults, and approximately 1 in 6 children, are living with some type of disability. This month is an opportunity to honor the history and achievements of those living with disabilities, as well as acknowledge the challenges this community faces. We celebrate Disability Pride in July because it marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) being passed and signed into law on July 26, 1990. As July wraps up, check out this Michigan.gov webpage to learn more about this celebratory month, and find links to insightful articles as well as the …
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Introducing: Recite Me!
Published: April 14, 2023
The Recite Me toolbar offers a screen reader; translations into over 100 languages; color, font, and size customization; and reading aids.
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We Can Help With Low Vision Aids
Published: March 8, 2023
Vision impairment — including low vision — affects millions of Americans and can make it hard to do things like reading, shopping, cooking, or writing. YDL has devices, kits, and materials to help. Check out a Tools for Living kit that includes a guide for writing legibly, a talking calculator with easy to read buttons, and 3 different magnifiers for reading. We have Magnifiers of various strengths and sizes available at the Whittaker branch to check out, a wide selection of large print books, including new bestsellers, at the Whittaker and Superior branches, and Adaptive computers are available for use …
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VISIONS Fair Showcases Disability Access Products and Services
Published: May 21, 2022
The 2022 VISIONS Vendor Fair takes place on Wednesday, June 8th from 11-4pm at the Ann Arbor District Library and features a variety of Michigan exhibitors who will demonstrate the latest products and services for the blind, visually impaired and physically disabled. Electronic readers, magnifiers, support services for the blind, Braille devices, library services, CCTVs, leader dogs, and transportation services are just a few of the many outstanding services and products that will be on display. The VISIONS Vendor Fair is presented by and is held at the downtown branch of the Ann Arbor District Library (which also serves as …
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Youth Fiction with Disability Representation
Youth Fiction that feature characters with diverse disabilities.
Youth Nonfiction with Disability Representation
Youth Nonfiction books about living with a learning, cognitive, developmental or physical disability.
Picture Books with Disability Representation
Picture Books that feature characters with diverse disabilities and offer an opportunity for meaningful discussion.
Teen Nonfiction with Disability Representation
Teen nonfiction books about living with a learning, cognitive, developmental or physical disability.
Accessibility Improvements to Libby
Published: December 20, 2021
YDL’s digital service Libby (Overdrive) has made some accessibility improvements to the Libby app. After partnering with the accessibility platform Fable, and based on research and direct feedback from users with visual, motor and cognitive disabilities there are several new updates that make the Libby app more accessible for all users. Check them out!
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Kanopy
Kanopy is a video-streaming platform dedicated to thoughtful and thought-provoking films.
What are Whale Eyes?
Published: July 27, 2021
What are whale eyes? It is not a technical term, and shouldn’t be mistaken for a lazy eye. It’s the term James Robinson uses to describe his own visual disability, and it is the title of his short film.
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Voters with Disabilities: Know Your Rights
Published: October 6, 2020
The Americans with Disabilities Act and other federal and state laws protect the rights of voters with disabilities. Know your rights and make a plan to vote on or before November 3rd. Check out these helpful websites. Michigan Secretary of State: The Rights of Voters with Disabilities U.S. Department of Justice-Civil Rights Division: Disability Rights Section American Association of People with Disabilities: REV UP the Vote Program National Disability Rights Network: Voting Power at the Polls
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Teen with Asperger’s is Time Person of the Year
Published: December 19, 2019
Greta Thunberg has become the face of the climate change movement. At only 16, this young person with Asperger’s is changing the world. Click here to read the full article.
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New Grant Offers Ceiling & Stair Lifts for Children with Special Needs
Published: February 20, 2019
Families with special needs children can apply to a $50,000 grant that provides ceiling and stair lifts, under the Children with Special Needs Fund.
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Ann Arbor Housing Voucher applications will be open Nov. 12-16
Published: November 8, 2018
The Ann Arbor Housing Commission will accept applications for the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Waiting List from Monday, November 12 through 4pm on Friday, November 16. From these applications, 600 will be randomly selected to obtain a place on Ann Arbor’s Section 8 Waiting List. Of the 600 selected, 300 applications will have at least one household member between the ages of 18-61 with a disability. The other 300 applications will be randomly selected from all other households meeting the preferences listed below. The Ann Arbor Housing Commission has three preferences: Households who live in Washtenaw County Households …
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HealthSource: Consumer Edition
HealthSource: Consumer Edition is a database that contains consumer health magazines.
Consumer Health Complete
Consumer Health Complete is a database that contains medical encyclopedias, books, and magazine articles.
Alt HealthWatch
Alt HealthWatch is a database that uses complementary, holistic, integrated approaches.
Adaptive Computer Stations
Computer stations designed for blind and visually impaired patrons
Service