Accessible Virtual Storytimes Everyone Can Enjoy with @MissReneeDomain and Jessica Fredrickson. They began with a set of descriptors - who they are, where they work, and what they wear. Great description without being able to see them (which I suspect is the point). #clelcon2020

Jessica is @teacher2library btw. Didn't mean to miss that!

We'll be using Google Jamboard. As advertised, it says it's a collaborative virtual whiteboard. Color me intrigued. Testing new tech! #clelcon2020

When asked why accessibility matters, there's a recurrence of libraries are for everyone. There's an ethical element to it. It's important to be intentional in providing services that can bridge gaps we may have never thought of. #clelcon2020

Addressing accessibility is ethical and professional. Those who are fighting everyday, in a million different ways, for even their own survival, are likely not going to have the energy to fight for libraries. We can be allies here. #clelcon2020

Libraries have a legal responsibility to accessibility as well, under the ADA. While the ADA doesn't specifically call out virtual programs, courts have reiterated that accessibility is a right, not a request. #clelcon2020

Universal design focuses on how to design spaces, services, and products so they are accessible to everyone, rather than just specific (even predominant) groups. Captions (which I mentioned already). Contactless door openers. Recordings. These things benefit everyone #clelcon2020

In chat, there's mention of resentment that accomodations that people with disabilities have been requesting for years are suddenly possible due to the pandemic - work from home, digital attendance options, etc. #clelcon2020

Determine community needs by engaging with the stakeholders - in this case, you want to be informed by people with disabilities and their families. Check with advocacy organizations to get connections. You can even check with Parks & Rec if they have similarly-targeted programs.

Disability awareness customer service training can be impactful for ALL staff, not just youth services. #clelcon2020

The more options we give communities to interact with the library, the more buy in we'll get. Every option has limitations, so don't just rely on a single option to engage those in your community with disabilities. #clelcon2020

For marketing materials: Use inclusive language in program descriptions. Can you include ASL interpretation? Do you have an accessibility statement? You should have one that's posted and easily viewable. #clelcon2020

During storytime: Create a welcoming environment. Film against a solid background. Avoid busy patterns on backgrounds or clothes. Reduce/eliminate background noise. #clelcon2020

Pace yourself: Slow down for the screen - speak and move slower. Also build in wait time for audience interaction and engagement at home. ~I heard someone call this "the Blue's Clues thing earlier, and that was a great description.~ #clelcon2020

Provide multiple means of engagement, representation, action, and expression. Incorporate tactile elements. Include a visual schedule. Adapt songs and rhymes for various levels of motor skills/abilities.

Use variation beyond color in flannels. Build in audio description for visuals and verbal directions for activities. #clelcon2020

Virtual Storytime Services Guide includes a link to the disability language style guide: https://ncdj.org/style-guide  #clelcon2020

A feltboard of Little Mouse was just shown that had two different houses - a lighthouse and ~I think~ an apartment building. Describing the houses allows those with visual impairments to participate, and having more differences than color accommodates color blindness #clelcon2020

Besides, the activity is richer with the variety of houses, for ALL kids. #clelcon2020

After virtual storytime, watch and review for process improvement opportunities (even if you hate watching yourself on video). Look at lighting, contrast, and size on screen. #clelcon2020

Captioning services like http://Rev.com  let you pay someone else to caption your video. Or you can use your organization's auto-generated caption tool, and then edit it. Make sure that a human looks at the transcription for accuracy. #clelcon2020

Gather customer feedback - comments on social media is one way. Share with your local teachers, including the Special Ed dept. And most importantly share with the disability community. They will self-advocate for what works best. #clelcon2020

Then tell the story of the program's impact! Numbers can show you patterns, but combining them with stories can give you and your community a powerful image of how libraries serve their communities. #clelcon2020