Health & Fitness
Access for All
Watertown Free Public Library offers plenty of special services for patrons with disabilities.
Watertown Free Public Library is committed to providing easy access and adaptive technology to patrons with disabilities. The 2006 library renovation included all ADA compliant measures and is fully accessible. It also has a number of assistive devices that make its resources accessible.
It has worked with the Watertown Commission on Disability to provide these services and is grateful for that organization’s equipment donations and advice. Ask or call (617-972-6436) the Reference Desk for more information on any of these devices and services.
Our large meeting space, the Watertown Savings Bank Room, is outfitted with a sound system that offers amplifying devices and headphones for individual use. Microphones feed into the system so that speakers can be heard on these devices throughout the room.
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When groups book the Watertown Savings Bank Room, or any of the library’s smaller rooms, and need signers for their programs, the library also has a list of local, qualified personnel to contact for the service. Call the Administrative Office (617-972-6434) about room bookings and services.
In other parts of the library, a patron can use the Sonic Super Ear Sound amplifier which boosts hearing by many decibels of sound. This hand held device is available at the Reference Desk. Another portable telecommunication device is on order for persons with limited hearing and vocal ability. The library will soon have a Miniprint 425 which allows better communication with staff. Our TTY number is 617-926-4189.
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A ClearView Plus closed circuit TV low vision electronic magnifier is available in the upstairs fiction area.
A hand held magnifier and a portable Compact Plus electronic unit are available at the Reference Desk.
All library work stations are ADA compliant and have adaptive software. JAWS provides speech technology for visually impaired patrons so they can use the internet and other computer software.
ZoomText also provides similar computer access with magnification and reading software.
The scanner PC, near the Reference Desk, offers Kurzweil 1000 software. This scans and then reads aloud books and any other printed material.
The Library’s mission includes access to all, and it strives to make its services welcoming to everyone.
