View and Reflect

Discussion Questions

Accessible Service Mindset

• How can we shift from viewing ADA compliance as a legal requirement to viewing it as part of excellent customer service and community inclusion? (Consider the webinar’s emphasis on accessibility benefiting everyone.)

Reasonable Modifications

• Think about our library’s policies (e.g., food/drink, identification for cards, behavior expectations).
• Which ones might require reasonable modifications, and how should staff decide when and how to implement them? (Reflect on flexibility as a critical tool discussed in the webinar.)

Service Animals

• What steps should staff take—and avoid—when determining whether an animal is a service animal?
• How should we respond if a service animal becomes disruptive? (Connect to the two allowable questions and behavioral expectations.)

Children & Patrons Needing Support

• Where is the line between providing reasonable assistance and providing personal care (which the ADA does not require)?
• How should staff respond when a child with a disability needs support during a program? (Discuss boundaries and staff capacity.)

Effective Communication

• How can we ensure our communication with patrons with communication or sensory disabilities is as effective as communication with others?
• What tools or processes should we have ready? (Consider auxiliary aids, signage, interpreters, captioning, screen-reader-friendly materials.)

Building & Space Accessibility

• Thinking about the physical layout of our library, what barriers might exist for someone with mobility, sensory, or cognitive disabilities?
• What short- and long-term improvements could we consider? (Relates to ADA facility requirements and program accessibility.)

Digital Accessibility

• What steps do we need to take to ensure our website, digital resources, and online programs are accessible?
• How can we integrate accessibility when purchasing or updating digital services? (Connect to the new requirements for WCAG compliance.)

Working with the Community

• How can we better engage patrons with disabilities and disability organizations to help us improve library services and identify gaps?
• What partnerships or feedback loops could we develop? (Inspired by the webinar’s suggestions for advisory groups, partnerships, and outreach.)

Discussion questions generated from the webinar transcript using Microsoft Copilot.

Recording

(1:15:59)

Webinar Resources

Marilyn Bennett, Outreach and Digital Resources Librarian, MSL

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