Grant to help those with hearing impairments at library

CHRIS PAGANO * cpagano@semissourian.com

A $5,200 grant award was presented to Nancy Howland Riverside Regional Library Director Jackson, recently to be used for purchasing TTY telepones and adjustable tables for the Jackson and Perryville branches. Attending the presentation were front, from left, Barbara Reading Missouri State Library Library Development Director; Jo Ann Hahs Riverside Regional Library Board Cape County; Roberta Brown Library Staff; Cathy Walters Scott County Riverside Regional Library Board; Emil Lohmann Riverside Regional Library Board Perry County; back, left, State Rep. Scott A. Lipke 157th District; Verna Stovall Riverside Regional Business Manager; Matt Blunt Secretary of State; Nancy Howland Library Director; Jason Crowell State Representative 158th District; Roberyt Mayer State Representative 159th District.Southeast Missourian

Two teletypewriter telephones and four adjustable tables will enable hearing-impaired and wheelchair-bound patrons better access to library services through a $5,200 grant awarded to Riverside Regional Library.

The adjustable equipment is expected to arrive in August and will allow hearing-impaired individuals to type in their communication from home on their equipment and receive typed answers from the library staff.

"They will be able to access information from public libraries like anyone else," said Nancy Howland, executive director of the Riverside Regional Library in Jackson.

Officials from the Missouri State Library, local state legislators, library staff and board members attended the presentation. Secretary of State Matt Blunt presented the check to Howland.

"It is important that Missouri libraries have the funding necessary to improve their technological capabilities and other important public services," Blunt said.

Other adaptive equipment the library has received from past grants includes a foot pedal that can be used instead of a computer mouse; a video magnifier which some patrons use to help them write personal checks; VERA (very easy reading appliance), a device that reads books aloud; and large-key keyboards.