CRAB - VoLUME 32 - NuMBE 2 - FALL 2001 - Maryland State Law Library Heightens Access to Its Services for theDeaf,Hearing and Speech Disabled

Oct 13, 2026

Upload by Aditya

The CRAB Fall 2001 issue reports how the Maryland State Law Library advances accessibility for deaf, hearing, and speech-disabled residents by deploying assistive technology and direct communication tools. It presents key demographic statistics, outlines the TeleSonic Communication System workflow, and explains how callers and visitors can access reference services. The publication also includes editorial updates, president remarks, and navigation to sections covering surveys, awards, and library community initiatives.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLifestyle

FormatPDF

Pages13

Reading Time20 min

AccessFree to download

Maryland State Law Library Heightens Access to Its Services for theDeaf,Hearing and Speech Disabled

Editors'Notes

President's Column

CRAB VoLUME 32 NuMBE 2 FALL 2001 # Maryland State Law Library Heightens Access to Its Services for theDeaf,Hearing and Speech Disabled What does it mean for a library to be truly accessible?Realizing that open access to information is a lot morethan just throwing open the door to the courthouse law library and saying,"Come on down",the State LawLibrary in Annapolis has gone the extra mile and now utilizes assistive technology to open its information and reference services to the deaf and the hearing and speech disabled populations. | In This Issue
State Law Library
1
2
Editors'Notes
2
President's Column
3
CLIS/Terrorism
4
Reference 24/7
5
Question &Answer
6
Awards Committee
MLA Author Award Help
6
7
Int'l Opportunity
7
Councilor's Corner
Distance Learning
77
PG County Storytime
8
MLA Ballot 2002-03
9
Marketing Campaign
10
Silent Auction
11
CRAB/eCRAB Survey
11
Bay Literature Course
12
MLA Jobline Info | | --- | A review of recent statistics compiled on Maryland's Technology AssistanceProgram/Governor's Office(MDTAP)tells us that there are over 28 millionAmericans considered deaf or hearing disabled and that there are roughly242,000 Marylanders with a serious hearing disability and 52,000 afflictedwith speech disorders. Accessibility to the courts in our state is one of the major tenets of Robert M.Bell,Chief Judge of the Maryland Court of Appeals.Public law librariesare stakeholders in this vocal mission,and now the State Law Library hastaken a major step forward in providing more meaningful and direct access forthis special population of citizens who also have a need to find more informa-tion about the law and their government. Breaking down barriers to access by employing technology is making ourjobs increasingly more productive and relevant.The system in place at thelibrary as of November 15.2001 is the TeleSonic Communication System,aninteractive system allowing callers with a TTY(tele-typewriter),TTD(texttelephone),or a computer,to talk directly to law library reference/researchstaff and communicate directly in a “conversation”on the PC.This system,similar to instant messaging on a computer,gives customers privacy by elimi-nating the intermediary used by traditional relay systems.Callers can accessthe service by entering a toll-free-in-state number 1-877-233-3871,or at(410)260-1571.Hearing disabled visitors to the library can also use two public access workstations to communicate directly with Information Desk staff. The library's biggest job initially will be getting the word out that this new service is available.Inquiries aboutthe service should be forwarded to Shirley Aronson or Mike Miller at the library at(410)2601430,or emailmike.miller@courts.state.md.us # Editors'Notes We are truly excited about this issue of the CRAB.Not only is it filled to the brim but it will be the firstissue of 2002 AND the first issue to be coordinatedwith the eCRAB.Be sure to read both the President'sColumn and the article on the results of the CRABsurvey and reorganization for further insights on howthe publications are shaping up. Welcome to Martha Zimmerman(UMES)as a co-editor.And welcome as well as to all the brave volun-teers who stepped forward to offer their services forthe Editorial Committee.From their ranks will rise anew MLA professional who can handle all the tasks ofan editor from cutting and pasting,to scratching forcopy,to managing 50 emails for changes,additions,and deletion,and to soothing the ruffled feathers ofadvertisers.And someone who can do these at the lastminute (in their spare time)before the dummy is final-ized and the fateful trip to the printer is made. We hope you enjoy this issue!Don't forget tocheck the MLA web site for monthly updates. Louise W.Greene Stephanie Miller Martha Zimmerman Associat

FAQs

What new technology does the State Law Library use for deaf and hearing/speech-disabled users?

It uses the TeleSonic Communication System, an interactive setup that lets callers using TTY, TTD, or a computer communicate directly with law library reference/research staff.

How can people access the TeleSonic service?

Callers can use a toll-free-in-state number 1-877-233-3871 or the local number (410)260-1571, and hearing disabled visitors can use two public access workstations to communicate with Information Desk staff.

Who can be contacted for questions about the new service?

Inquiries should be forwarded to Shirley Aronson or Mike Miller at the library, or via the provided email address.

Oct 13, 2026

Upload by Aditya