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Des Plaines Public Library is one of 24 recipients awarded the “My Library Is…” grant from Reaching Across Illinois Library Systems (RAILS) this past April.

This grant is designed to help libraries tell their story, and increase the number and types of collection materials for patrons related to accessibility and assistive technology. 

Libraries care.

At DPPL, we have a key belief “that all library users are entitled to the highest level of service.” 

We are proud of our popular and growing Library of Things circulating collection and the existing assistive technology offered in-house. For us, the highest level of service would be incomplete without offerings for users of all abilities.

The addition of the items made possible by receiving this $5,000 grant has more than tripled the items previously in our assistive technology offerings. These items are often used by and developed for those with disabilities, but they can be helpful for everyone, on a spectrum of physical/sensory limitations and no limitations (a well-known phenomenon generally known as the Curb-Cut Effect). We know from the usage of the assistive items already in our library that those without disabilities are also finding these items useful, such as remote page turners, adjustable tablet and laptop stands, noise canceling headphones, and more.

According to the CDC, “more than 1 in 4 (28.7 percent) adults in the United States have some type of disability.” And if someone lives a long life, the question isn’t ‘if’ someone will have a disability in the future, but ‘when’ that would be. Disabilities may include cognitive or learning disabilities, visual disabilities, hearing disabilities, mobility issues, or others that impair a person’s ability to do everyday tasks they need to do and meet goals they wish to pursue. It touches all of us in some capacity – if not directly, then through loved ones and acquaintances. 

Libraries value accessibility.

We want our lendable assistive technology collection to honor individual uniqueness, promote equity, and inclusion of people disadvantaged by a disability. At the same time, we hope to contribute to removing the stigmas or misconceptions surrounding disability or simply needing/wanting help.

Libraries are inherently sustainable institutions.

One of the most appealing functions of the Library of Things is that numerous patrons can try out items on a temporary basis to see whether they like the item or would use it enough to purchase their own. The items in the collection support people in a moment of need as well as aiding in decision-making about acquiring long-term solutions to improve quality of life.

We invite all of you to a drop-in event to see and try our current circulating and upcoming assistive technology. Learn the ways they are used and the checkout/holds process. The showcase with these items will be announced soon.

You can see all the other recipients of the “My Library Is…” grant in the RAILS press release.