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G2S Project Code: 2014-DC-73866
State: District of Columbia
Fiscal Year: 2014

Grantee
District of Columbia Public Library

Project Director
Director Name: Rachel Meit
Director Phone: 202-741-5981
Director Email: Rachel.Meit@dc.gov

General Information
Title: Center for Accessibility: Presentations
State Project Code:
Start Date: 10/01/2014
End Date: 09/30/2015
Abstract: DC Public Library used LSTA funds to meet all requests for American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation for Library programs. Funds also were used to pay for a certified Braille instructor so that the Library could offer an 8-week series of Grade 1 Braille instruction. The instructor added 2 additional sessions to the series at no cost. These initiatives help make the Library accessible to customers with a wide range of disabilities.
State Goal: Access to Information

Budget Information

LSTA

MATCH-State

MATCH-Other

Total

$21,696.00

$0.00

$21,696.00

Intent(s)
Improve users’ ability to discover information resources.
Languages
Literacy

Activities
Activity Details
Title: American Sign Language Interpretation
Narrative:

Funds to support ASL Interpretation enable DC Public Library to provide Deaf and hard-of-hearing customers and staff with equal access to our programs and services. Programs such as the monthly Web Accessibility meet-ups, regular ASL Story times and Deaf Culture programs, ongoing public computer training classes and technology training sessions are all made accessible to our Deaf and hard-of-hearing customers via the use of ASL interpretation. Several library staff members also benefit from the interpretation, using it to participate in staff meetings and training.

Intent: Improve users’ ability to discover information resources.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Presentation/performance
Format: In-person

Quantity
Presentation/performance length (minutes): 120
Number of presentations/performances administered: 55
Average number in attendance per session: 5

Partner Information

Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No

Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No

Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Urban
For what age groups: All Ages
For what economic types: Economic Not Applicable
For what ethnicity types: Ethnicity Not Applicable
Is the activity directed at families: No
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: No
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: Yes
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: No
Is the activity category not already captured: No

Locale
Is the activity state-wide: Yes
Specific Locations: No
Library Types

Public Libraries: 26
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0

Activity Details
Title: Introductory Braille Classes
Narrative:

LSTA funds were used to contract a certified Braille instructor to offer an eight-week series of Grade 1 Braille instruction that would help DC Public Library better serve its blind customers and enhance their Braille literacy skills.

Intent: Improve users’ ability to discover information resources.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 120
Number of sessions in program: 10
Average number in attendance per session: 5
Number of times program administered: 1

Partner Information

Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important findings or outcomes from your project:
Center for Accessibility staff have reported that having voice interpreters for ASL story hours and the Clerc-Gallaudet program in addition to the ASL interpreters helps to provide access for hearing people who do not know ASL. Hearing people in attendance expressed wanting to learn more about ASL and Deaf culture and history. A staff member from DC Public Library's Collections department uses ASL interpretation during the monthly department staff meetings. She reports that having access to ASL interpretation greatly enhances her job performance. Braille class participants noted that the class has had a significant impact on their lives as it has provided them with a new means of communication which is especially significant given the recent implementation of Unified English Braille. Participants indicated that they preferred DC Public Library's Braille classes to others offered throughout the District as they provide more personalized training, and they have requested that DC Public Library offer an advanced Braille course.
Please briefly describe importance of findings:
DC Public Library will add an advanced Braill course in Fiscal Year 2016.
What methods did you use to determine your findings? Check all that apply:
Survey
Other
Based on outputs, outcomes and/or other results, explain any significant lessons learned from these findings for either the SLAA or others in the LIS field:

Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort:
Yes: DC Public Library will continue with an introductory Braille course and add an advanced Braille course to its calendar. These courses, along with continued ASL interpretation services will be funded via LSTA.
Do you anticipate any change in the project's scope:
Yes: Please see above.
Do you anticipate any other changes in the project:
No

Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative

Project Tags: ASL interpretation; Braille instruction