Social media and people with disabilities

With the ability to communicate more widely through social media, there are more opportunties to reach various groups. What is an effective way that your library uses social media to engage people with disabilities?

Deborah Mould

social-media
people-with-disabilities

Comments

jonsca: Deborah, this a great question. However, I think it would be even better if you generalize it a bit. Asking about common techniques and proven programs rather than just a list of what everyone's library does will make it more useful for future readers.
Deborah Mould: I'd really like to know specifically about social media, but @jonsca the points you raised are also interesting and I'd like to have a seperate question for those as well.
jonsca: In the faq under the "Don't ask" section, it mentions questions where every answer is equally valid. I think this is one of those cases (not singling you out in particular, as there are a lot of questions that may need to be revised in this regard). Seeking a specific answer will help you get the information for which you are looking, and it will help future viewers of the question who might find it in a search.

Answer by Ryan B

With the ability to communicate more widely through social media, there are more opportunties to reach various groups.

The first thing to keep in mind is that a lot of social media sites don't have the best accessibility. Your website is considered an extension of your public entity, which is covered under the ADA - which says your website must be accessible. So you might do a blast on Facebook/Twitter, but due to not having full control over said application you should also house the content on your site and ensure that is accessible. Then link from the social media back to your site.

What is an effective way that your library uses social media to engage people with disabilities?

If you have a special feature about your library, ADVERTISE it! Some examples, you have a "new" computer with various assistive technology, you are bringing in somebody for a disability-related event, you are partnering with bookshare, NFB, etc.