Empowering Library Patrons with Learning Disabilities

Abstract

This article describes the characteristics of patrons with learning disabilities (LD) and how these characteristics might affect library use. The lack of services for college patrons who have learning disabilities (LD) in this decade is much like the lack of adequate and appropriate services for high school patrons with LD in previous decades. The old notion that patrons would somehow outgrow LD is still pervasive. The National Learning Disabilities Association definition of LD describes specific LD as a “chronic condition.” Even though some individuals are fairly successful at adopting compensatory mechanisms, they will continue to deal with their specific learning disabilities throughout their lives. Educators are obligated to provide for the needs of patrons with LD across the life span. Given the characteristics of patrons with LD, these patrons must be provided with assistive technology (AT) in order to utilize library resources on an equal basis with their nondisabled peers. AT includes both technologies and special services.