Libraries offer variety of aids for the disabled
At some point in the elementary school curriculum, children learn about the five senses: hearing, seeing, tasting, touching and smelling. I remember great debates as a child about which would be the most important sense. Of course, the conclusion was that we really need all of our senses, but remarkably, one can learn and compensate for a sense that is lost or impaired.
I have some friends who have recently lost their hearing. I've noticed in almost all cases how potentially isolating such a loss can be. Conversation is difficult and even having fun together can be a chore. There are problems with basic communication too, resulting in the necessity for written exchanges rather than relying on speaking and hearing.
These life experiences have prompted me to think about what a public library can do to assist those with hearing loss. First and foremost, the library has books, even large print books, that don't require good ears for using. Many libraries have an outreach department that delivers books to those with disabilities. Check with staff at your library to see if this is an option.
Libraries often make a special effort to purchase books describing and teaching sign language. In case you didn't know, American Sign Language is a complete, complex language employing signs made with the hands. Since it is the first language of many deaf North Americans, it's one of the most commonly used languages in the U.S. There are many dictionaries, guides and instruction books on ASL, as well as resources on the Internet. All can be especially helpful to a hearing person who wants to communicate with someone with a hearing disability.
Most libraries have movies and other film productions on DVDs. Typically, producers include English subtitles, making it easy for a hearing person and a hearing-impaired person to enjoy a DVD together.
Some libraries have special equipment of use to the hearing disabled such as a TTY or text telephone. Sometimes it's called a TDD or telecommunications device for the deaf. One types in a message instead of speaking. TTY equipment is also useful to those with speech difficulties. While communicating in this manner requires TTY devices at both ends of the call, many drugstores and pharmacies have the equipment.
More recently, other devices have been developed such as the CapTel phone. It is useful for the deaf person with established speech and features a screen and the use of an operator. The conversation is translated onto the phone's screen but no special equipment is needed on the other end of the call. For more information on these devices visit the Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation online at itactty.org/pages/deaf.php.
Another new helpful development is a personal sound device that can be used in movie theatres and can plug into a home TV, VCR or stereo system. Amplified phone ring signalers, wake and shake alarm clocks, and other useful equipment can be obtained usually without a doctor's prescription through any assistive technology catalog. In the Chicagoland area the Chicago Hearing Society is a useful source of information. Located in the Anixter Center at 2001 N. Clybourn Ave. in Chicago, call (773) 248-9121 or e-mail askchs@anixter.org for more information.
If you have a hearing impairment and can think of ways your library might help, contact the library director and make your suggestions. Libraries exist to help everyone both enjoy life and find the information they need.