NEW CASTLE (May 12, 2021) – Georgetown Public Library and the Division for the Visually Impaired (DVI) have established a cooperative partnership designed to increase access to assistive technology training and support to the blind and visually impaired community.
DVI provides people who are blind and visually impaired access to statewide technology centers where they can work with a Technology Trainer to evaluate assistive technology equipment and training needs. The current Sussex County training center is within a state office campus that is inaccessible to fixed-route public transportation.
The partnership with the Georgetown Public Library provides DVI the opportunity to expand access in Sussex County because of its proximity to public transportation. In addition, the partnership promotes full immersion and community inclusion. The library is dedicating space for training purposes and DVI is providing training to the library staff so that they will feel confident serving patrons who are blind or visually impaired.
“We are excited about this partnership with the Georgetown Library as a way to enhance access to assistive technology training and support in Sussex County,” said Deborah Talley, Director of the Division for the Visually Impaired. “There is no more important priority for us a state agency than to meet members of the community where they are.”
“We are looking forward to this partnership as a way to provide access to library materials for more patrons,” said Rachel Jackson, Director of the Georgetown Public Library.
DVI and the library will conduct an environmental scan to ensure there are no hazards and to add Braille markings throughout the library. DVI has added basic equipment and software that will assist the library staff in working with the public. DVI will incorporate the library resources into training to encourage more frequent use of the library.
The Georgetown Public Library will allow DVI to:
- Conduct individualized assistive technology training in the library at the second-floor reference desk (primary) and/or in private classrooms (secondary).
- Occasionally conduct group training in larger rooms.
- Utilize a CCTV on the second-floor reference desk for training purposes.
- Utilize screen reading and screen magnification software on the computer workstation on the second-floor reference desk.
The Georgetown Public Library is at 123 W. Pine St., Georgetown. To contact the library, call 302-856-7958.
The Division for the Visually Impaired (DVI) provides educational, vocational, and technical support to empower and foster independence for Delawareans with visual impairments. To learn more, visit DVI’s website: https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dvi/