NJLA 2016 Pre-Conference

Open to All:
ADA Compliance and Beyond at your Library

Monday, May 16, 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Located in Wildwood 12 & 13

Sponsored by the Administration & Management, College & University,
Diversity & Outreach and Urban Libraries sections

Welcome:
Selwa Shamy, Somerset County Library System

Keynote:
John Walsh, Chief of Program Administration,
NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Statistics:
Mary Kearns-Kaplan, NJ State Library Talking Book & Braille Center

Panel: ADA Compliance 

Cindy Czesak, Director, Paterson Free Public Library

Craig Hill, Architect, Parette Somjen Architects

Dina Trunzo, Therapeutic Recreation, Somerset County Park Commission

The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law in 1990 and is one of the most comprehensive pieces of civil rights legislation in the United States. Its purpose is to prohibit discrimination and guarantee that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as those without disabilities to participate in mainstream American life.  Craig Hill, architect with Parette Somjen Architects, will discuss building compliance for libraries, Dina Trunzo, Manager of Therapeutic Recreation for Somerset County Park Commission, will discuss the law's implications for library services and programs, and a library case study will be provided by Cindy Czesak, Director of the Paterson Free Public Library.

Panel: Make Your Library a Welcoming Place

Tara Kehoe, NJ State Library Talking Book & Braille Center

Bethany Sewell, Access Services Librarian, The College of NJ

Meghan Sooy, Director, Disability Support Services, The College of 

Dan Weiss, Director, Fanwood Memorial Library and Co-Founder of Libraries & Autism

Hear from experts on the practical steps you can take to make your library more welcoming to people with disabilities. Learn about the unique components and qualities of library service that make it friendly to all. Tara Kehoe will share tips on etiquette/communication and print and media design and will discuss her experience serving Talking Book and Braille Center members via telephone and email. Dan Weiss will talk about his unique and award-winning “Libraries and Autism” program, grant opportunities, and best practices for serving those with autism. Bethany Sewell and Meghan Sooy from the College of New Jersey will discuss the unique partnership between the Library and the office of Disability Support Services and how this collaboration enhances their services to college students with various needs. You will come away with practical, simple, and manageable steps you can take to make your library welcoming to all patrons.

Q&A:

Selwa Shamy