Services for People with Disabilities - NIU - University Libraries

Northern Illinois University

University Libraries

Services for People with Disabilities

What We Do:

Our goal is to offer specialized library-use assistance to any person with any kind of disability who wishes to use our library materials and other resources. Assistance will be specifically tailored to the needs of the individual. Assistive equipment is available in a specialized study room.

Contact: Marcia Dick, Coordinator

Telephone: 815-753-9853
EMail Address: mdick@niu.edu

Resources

Services Available
Facilities and Equipment
Center For Access-Ability Resources


Research and Reference Help

Call the Coordinator of Library Services for Persons with Disabilities to discuss paper topics, library assignments, etc. Together you will work out a way to identify, choose and obtain copies of library materials. Try to call several days ahead of the time you need materials.

Library Instruction Service

Individual or group orientation/tours designed for your specific needs are available. Call the Coordinator of Library Services for Persons with Disabilities to make arrangements.

Facilities and Equipment

Specialized Study Room -- FML 102

A fully equipped specialized study room (Room102) on the west side of the first floor, is available for the use of those with any kind of disability.

Ask for the key to this room at the Circulation Desk. You will be asked to leave valid identification until the key is returned.

Technology includes:

  • Computer stations with:
    • Screen readers
    • Jaws for Windows
    • Window Eyes
    • Magnification
    • ZoomText
    • Word processing
    • Word
    • Word Perfect
    • Voyager Braille Display, 44-cell
    • Kurzweil 1000, PC-based reader with scanner & printer
    • Access to library homepage, internet, etc.
  • SARA, a scanner/reader
  • Sorenson VRS, video relay service
  • APH cassette players
  • CCTVs for enlarging print
  • Optacon
  • Perkins brailler
  • Braille n' Print II
  • Electric typewriters (standard)
  • Hand magnifiers
  • Large Print encyclopedias, dictionaries and a small collection of books on tape for reading pleasure.

AT Chambers -- FML 233

Assistive technology for patrons with disabilities, especially learning disabilities.

Ask for the key to this room at the Circulation Desk. You will be asked to leave valid identification until the key is returned.

Technology includes:

  • Height adjustable Workzone table
  • "Inspiration" Mind Mapping software
  • TextAloud -- MP3 text to speech software
  • Dragon NaturallySpeaking 7.0 Professional -- dictation software
  • ABBYY FineReader 7.0 Pro software
  • WordQ software -- word predicition
  • Daisy 2.02/Daisy 2.0 playback -- Victor Readersoft software
  • User interface development -- accessible display
  • Scanner

Braille and/or tactile signs on elevators, escalators, bathrooms, etc. Wheelchair height tables for first floor computer workstations. Ramp access to the library.