Accessibility and Adaptive Technology
Services
Beaman Memorial Public Library, in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations that include the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to the Library’s programs, services, or resources intended for the public.
Two handicapped parking spaces are available on Newton Street. Beaman Memorial Public Library is wheelchair accessible via the ramp and automatic door opener at the Newton Street entrance.
Whenever possible the Library will make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities in order to provide equal opportunity to access and participate in the programs, services, and resources we offer.
To assist patrons during their visit, Beaman Memorial Public Library has a wheelchair available for use on the main floor. Patrons must be able to operate the wheelchair on their own, as no staff assistance will be provided. Upon request, library staff will assist with the retrieval of books.
An elevator is located on the main floor near the circulation desk, providing access to all floors of the Library.
Equipment
Public computers have an app called Magnifier that enlarges text to 1600% and voice to text capability.
A Desktop Magnifier magnifies printed documents, photographs, or 3-dimensional objects to a size that will suit your viewing needs.
A selection of magnifying glasses and reading glasses are available for use at the main desk.
A TTY (teletypewriter) machine is able to receive calls at 508-835-4936.
Collections
Beaman Memorial Public Library curates a number of collections that may assist patrons with disabilities, including downloadable audiobooks, ebooks, DVDs with subtitles and closed-captioning capabilities, language learning materials, and large print collections.
Additional Resources
Perkins School for the Blind
The Perkins Library, located at the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, Massachusetts circulates more than half a million accessible books, newspapers and publications in braille, large print and digital audio formats annually to thousands of registered patrons with print disabilities in New England and beyond. To review the service eligibility guidelines and apply for free access to the Perkins Library, visit: https://www.perkins.org/library/apply/
Worcester Talking Book Library
The Worcester Talking Book Library (WTBL) provides free services to Massachusetts residents of any age who are unable to read traditional print materials due to a visual or physical disability. The WTBL has access to more than 1.2 million volumes of digital books including large type, described videos, braille, and 100 magazine titles in recorded and braille format, and provides mail-order service by telephone, as well as immediate service on a walk-in basis. Learn more about WTBL and the available services here: https://talkingbook.mywpl.org/
WTBL also offers a list of accessibility options for computers and mobile devices here: https://talkingbook.mywpl.org/accessibility-options
Service Animals
Only service animals are allowed in the Library in accordance with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Massachusetts General Laws, Ch. 272, Sec. 98A. Other animals are not allowed. For more information visit the ADA webpage related to Service Animals here: http://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm