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Technology Accessibility in the School Setting

Accessibility and libraries go hand in hand. You cannot have a properly functioning library without having accessibility. The American Library Association (ALA) and Melina Sherman created a report on accessibility: "Accessibility in Libraries: A Landscape Review", within the report they explore the history of libraries and the attempt to continue making libraries accessible and equitable to all to those with disabilities. Libraries began providing blind print materials in the mid-1800s (Sherman, 8). Many services and materials were being provided for low vision and blind patrons. Then libraries began getting talking machines and talking books (Sherman, 9). The ALA were groundbreakers in 1961; "ALA also developed the first standards for ensuring equal access to patrons with disabilities" (Sherman, 9). This was followed by the Americans with Disabilities Act and then the Library Services for People with Disabilities Policy. Particularly with the internet, libraries are one of the most accessible institutions available in our society (Sherman, 10). "Most of these libraries have long been committed to the acquisition of new assistive technologies, including braille materials, large print materials, talking books, reading machines, video enlargement, screen readers, e-books, and screen magnifiers" (Sherman, 10).

What does this mean for my school library?

        Public and school libraries help provide information and are largely there for anyone who wants to learn and grow. That's where equity and accessibility comes in. As an aspiring school librarian, one of my jobs will be helping provide accessible materials to all students in the building while also using universal design for learning. This goes anywhere from the content, to the physical space around them and even to technology. This means that I need to make sure my content and technology work for all of my students while making adjustments to include students that are blind, low-vision, hearing impaired, physically impaired and so on. School librarians also typically take on the role of being a technology resource whenever staff or students have a tech question. As a school librarian I could create a little infographic, like the one below, to give teachers quick and easy information of what each student has access to on their digital device.

Image Source: author

        Most of the schools that I have worked for have provided the students with Chromebooks. My infographic covered the top 5 immediate accessibility tools that the students and staff could use to make their technology more equitable for them. I chose an infographic because it informs in a small digestible bite without overwhelming teachers with yet another long email. This infographic could be included in a weekly newsletter or in a FAQ digital folder for easy access later. These accessibility tools are incredibly easy to integrate and are already available on every Chromebook. While I chose 5 tools for my infographic, there are many more available. There are even more options and tools available through extensions that can be downloaded on a device.

Final Thoughts

        I feel comfortable using and learning about technology. However, I feel that my biggest hurdle with technology accessibility is knowing if there are better options out there and what they are for my students. In an ideal world my district would be able to provide the best and newest technology for all students to provide the most equitable learning environment possible, but we know that isn't always the case. This is where being an active participant in the school library community would be a huge pay off. I will need to keep myself accountable for filling in gaps for my students and staying up to date with the newest technology being used in education. A responsibility that I gladly accept!

Works Cited

Sherman, Melina. “Accessibility in Libraries: A Landscape Review.” Ala.Org, American Library Association, www.ala.org/sites/default/files/tools/content/220928-ppo-ltc-access-landscape-review.pdf. 

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Comments

  1. Ms. Carla CruseOctober 4, 2025 at 8:30 AM

    I love a good infographic! They help simplify overwhelming information. I appreciate the ALA article you provided and look forward to reading it thoroughly. I too feel I struggle staying up-to-date on the latest technology available. I think your idea of sharing a little blip about an easy strategy or tool on your email newsletter is a fabulous idea! Years ago, when students first started using Chromebooks, I copied a shortcut cheatsheet for my coworkers. Most of us ended up laminating it and hanging it up as a poster for all in the room to have access too. I feel it is little things like this that make the school community one f the best places to work!

    ReplyDelete
  2. NMZumpanoOctober 4, 2025 at 2:30 PM

    Thanks for sharing the ALA article on accessibility! I also appreciated your rationale for creating an infographic and I agree, bite size info is the way to go!

    ReplyDelete

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