Maryland libraries get disability-friendly workstations

Worcester County Libraries say they have installed computer workstations with assistive technology to aid disabled citizens protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

More than 100 public libraries across Maryland now have these accessible workstations.

Officials with the Maryland State Department of Education say these workstations include height-adjustable computer tables, enlarged computer monitors, special keyboards, screen reader software, screen enlarging software and an Optelec CCTV reader that can audibly read printed texts.

This equipment can be useful to library patrons who are blind or have other special needs.

"These user-friendly workstations will make it much easier to read and fill out forms as well as use the internet," Worcester County Library Director Jennifer Ranck said.

Funding for the workstations for Maryland public libraries came from a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.