Winding Down the Disabilities Grant

It is hard to believe that a project we began well over a year ago has finally (at least on paper) come to an end. Because the Service Without Boundaries grant has occupied a major part of my professional thinking for so long, I begin to feel a void without it. But although the calendar and the budget have run out, our work will continue. Firstly, there are some odds and ends to finish up. Some branches are still anticipating their open houses or other programming, while Perkins Panda is eagerly awaiting his debut in branch story times. Secondly, our Boardmaker software (software with which to create signage to assist customers with speech impairments) has yet to be loaded and signs created. Teri, Julie and I will work on that in November and December. Thirdly, work is still progressing on making our web site fully 508 compliant in accessibility. The main part of the web site should be completed by the end of February 2007, with the children and teen pages by the end of 2007.

I believe, however, that the real work of the disabilities grant is just beginning and I hope it will grow-- and grow forever. Our new desire and capability to provide outstanding library service to this dramatically underserved population will have lasting effects in the lives of people in ways may never even see. It is entirely to our credit that, with the help of the State Library, that we are willing and even eager to accept this new challenge. It is going to be a wonderful experience!

Liz