Adaptive Items in Outreach Services
- Jun 20
- 2 min read
As you may know, the library circulates a “Library of Things”, or as we call it, an Innovative Items Collection. This collection offers a wide variety of activities, including hiking poles, musical instruments, a giant Connect Four game, and more. Recently, the adaptive items were relocated to the outreach department on the first floor. RHPL prides itself on reaching all of its potential users, and outreach strives to specifically reach those who may have a harder time using the library, for whatever reason. Moving these items downstairs was our way of making them easier to find for those who may need them.
So, what are “adaptive” innovative items? These are items designed to assist those with disabilities in performing tasks independently. Let’s explore a few of the items available to check out!
LEGO™ Braille Bricks: These bricks are designed to help people learn Braille with printed letters and raised Lego™ dots. Learning modules and activity ideas are available to help teachers and learners at braillebricks.com.
Scanmarker Pro: Scan words on a menu or in a book, and the pen will read them to you! This is a great tool for someone who may experience vision impairments, ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning disabilities.
Adaptive Crafting Kit: This kit includes a tactile measuring tape that indicates each half inch,
inch, and foot with a small metal grommet, loop scissors that only require a gentle squeeze to cut, and a lighted seam ripper that lights up the area one is working on.
Voice Amplifier: This device is designed to elevate the vocal output of people with temporary or permanent voice impairments. Teachers often use this type of device when they have a hearing-impaired student in their classroom.
Meta Glasses: This is an accessibility tool that uses AI to read text and describe objects in the vicinity. Meta glasses also work with the Be My Eyes app, which can connect users to volunteers who can help the visually impaired do a variety of tasks using the glasses' cameras.
Digital and standard Magnifiers:
There are several different styles and strengths of magnifiers from which to choose. Try ours before you buy! Different options include handheld, stand type, LED, unlit, and digital (with a camera and screen instead of a lens).
Toby the Companion Dog and Ginger the Companion Cat: These may be patron favorites. Toby and Ginger provide companionship, without all the work of a living pet! Studies have shown that companions like these may help alleviate loneliness.
The adaptive items check out for the standard three-week period and may be renewed if no other patron has requested them.
Check out a list of our adaptive items collection.
This blog post was written by Rebecca LaFave, Oakland Talking Book Service librarian, and Mary Davis, Head of Outreach Services.
