[Michlib-l] Project ENABLE (Expanding Non-discriminatory Access by Librarians Everywhere)

[White, Shannon (MDE)]

Below is information about a current IMLS project to create and extend Project ENABLE (Expanding Non-discriminatory Access by Librarians Everywhere), which provides free, comprehensive online training to librarians nationwide on library and information services to people with disabilities.

http://projectenable.syr.edu

A new website was recently launched expanding the target audience of school librarians to include public and academic librarians.   Currently users can find the following:


*        a site design based on instructional and motivational theories and models and pilot tested several times during its development. The site consists of five learning modules covering multiple topics and sub-topics. They include:


o   Disability Awareness (person-first language and sensitivity, students' perspective (videos by students with disabilities), experiencing disability (covering autism spectrum disorder, Asperger's syndrome, ADHD, dyslexia, hearing and vision impairments, physical disabilities).



o   Disability Law & Policy (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, IEPs, Americans with Disabilities Act).



o   Creating an Accessible Library (Universal Design, evaluating your library's accessibility, library accessibility action plan, facilities design, collection development, library policies and procedures, leadership and advocacy).



o   Planning Inclusive Programs and Instruction (motivating diverse learners, Universal Design for Learning, differentiated instruction, collaboration, inclusive programs or lessons with examples, assessment).



o   Assistive Technology in Libraries (what is assistive technology, assistive technology for every disability, implementing and evaluating assistive technology, web accessibility).



*        training that is customized according to a type of library setting (school, academic, public) and location (state). That means that, for example, a school librarian from Michigan who registers for Project ENABLE training will automatically receive information most relevant to a school library setting with any state-specific information included.



*        the option for librarians to register as individuals or for administrators or trainers to register a group or class. So, for example, if a public library director wishes to have all of the librarians in the library system participate in the training, he or she can register them as a group. The system will automatically generate a code for that group which each of those trainees then use when they register. The administrator can then monitor the progress and achievement of the group and each individual within the group throughout the training.


*        the opportunity to take an Initial Assessment, a 30-item, multiple choice test that assesses knowledge in all of the areas covered in the training. The items are randomly generated from a pool of over 300 items so it can be retaken, if necessary, with little chance of getting the exact same items. Feedback on accuracy of responses is immediate. There is also a Final Assessment that the trainee can take after completing the training modules, allowing comparison to the Initial Assessment to demonstrate learning success. Each training module has a brief quiz (5 multiple choice items, randomly generated from a pool of 50+ items) at the end of the module that tests the trainee only on the content within that module. Again, the trainee receives immediate feedback on the accuracy of responses and can retake a quiz multiple times with little chance of getting exactly the same questions.



*        a variety of formats including text, videos, graphics, photos, audio files, links to relevant sites, games, interactive activities, evaluation checklists (e.g., accessibility of the library facility), and fill-in templates for creating action plans for ensuring an accessible library and designing inclusive lesson plans. We've even included a facilities redesign exercise that provides a graphic representation of a library floor plan with furniture that can be manipulated to help in redesigning the library to make it accessible to all users.


*        a "My Ideas" feature allows the trainee to take notes or jot down ideas while progressing through the training. These notes and ideas, as well as test and quiz scores, are saved to the trainee's password-protected personal page called "My Account" for reference at any time.



*        a certificate of achievement, available (and printable) to any trainee successfully completing all of the training and assessments. This certificate may serve as evidence of completion of approximately 20 hours of professional development.

This is a project of the Center for Digital Literacy at the School of Information Studies at Syracuse University.





Sdw

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Shannon D. White
Library of Michigan
702 West Kalamazoo, P.O. Box 30007, Lansing, MI 48909-7507
Ph: 517-373-9489; Fax: 517-373-5700
Toll free:  877-479-0021
whites29 at michigan.gov<mailto:whites29 at michigan.gov>
http://michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan



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