Accessibility

FVRL has a variety of free services to make our libraries and materials accessible to all. 

Books by Mail

If you can't pick up materials at a library, you may qualify for Books by Mail.

Materials in alternative formats

• Books
  • Large print books
  • Audiobooks on CD
  • Audiobooks on Playaway
  • Downloadable digital audiobooks from OverDrive
• eBooks and eResources
  • Adjustable font size, high contrast option, special fonts for dyslexia, and screen reader compatibility are available for eBooks. Learn more about these accessibility options.
  • Read-aloud option available in many of our eResources
• Videos
  • Closed-captioned DVDs
  • DVDs with audio descriptive tracks for the visually impaired
  • Streaming video from Kanopy (with closed captions and transcripts) and Hoopla (many have closed captions)
• Music
  • Children's music on CD
  • Downloadable and streaming music

Library and website accessibility

At our libraries

Returning Materials

• Patrons with a disability that prohibits them from using an outside book return will be given accommodation. Please let us know if you need assistance by calling the curbside phone number posted at each location.

All of our libraries have:

• Wheelchair accessibility except for the upstairs and restrooms at Woodland Community Library, which we are currently working to replace.
• Low vision toolkits for patron use, which include a magnifier for reading, a magnifying sheet, reading glasses, and these low vision items: note-writing frame, signature guide, writing tablet, and marker.
• Accessible keyboards for patron use on the premises. There are two types of keyboards available: one with extra-large and high-contrast keys, as well as ergonomic keyboards. Please ask at the service desk if you'd like to use one. 

All of our public internet computers have this software:

• JAWS: a screen reader (you'll need to use headphones). Learn about JAWS.
• ZoomText: a screen magnifier with high-contrast and color settings. Learn about ZoomText.
• Fusion: a combination of JAWS and ZoomText functions. Learn about Fusion.

Some of our libraries have other equipment or software to assist patrons:

• Adjustable height internet station: Battle Ground Community Library, Cascade Park Community Library and Vancouver Community Library (Floor 1)
• Video phone: Vancouver Community Library (Floor 4)
• Book cart/walkers: Three Creeks Community Library
• Hearing loop: Ridgefield Community Library. An advanced AV system with a hearing loop is installed in the Community Room which can send sounds directly to the hearing aids of attendees.

On our website

• Use the ReachDeck Toolbar, which will translate our webpages and read them aloud in any of dozens of languages. Features also include a screen mask and text magnifier. To start, click the ReachDeck icon in the lower right corner of each webpage:
• The library catalog has an accessibility mode, which simplifies the layout and enlarges the text on any page in the catalog. To activate this tool, click Enable Accessibility Mode at the top-right of any catalog page—look for this symbol:
• Most computer, tablet, and phone operating systems have built-in accessibility features which could be used to access the library website and the Library Catalog. See Microsoft Accessibility, Apple Accessibility, Android Accessibility Help, and Accessibility for Kindle.

Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance

Ruth Shafer, Public Services Director, is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coordinator for FVRL. You may contact her by mail, phone or email:

Ruth Shafer, ADA Coordinator
Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries
2018 Grand Blvd
Vancouver WA 98661
360-906-5014 or rshafer@fvrl.org

• Request an accommodation for your disability 
• Grievance procedure

Other local and national resources

• Washington Talking Book & Braille Library: Receive audio or braille books by mail if you are unable to read standard print. (WTBBL is a program of the Washington State Library.)
• Washington School for the Deaf: Find local resources for the deaf and hard-of-hearing including Student & Family Resources, as well as statewide services and other resources.
• Washington State School for the Blind: Access local services available for the blind and visually impaired including a Low Vision Clinic and a Birth to Three program; find links to many other resources.
• Washington State Resources for Parents of Children and Youth with Disabilities: Browse through a printable list of links to state and national organizations with resources for parents.
• Resource Links: Find links to various state and national disability resources on the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Administration website.
• Washington State Department of Services for the Blind (Vancouver office): Receive guidance and training on living independently with a visual disability. Get recommendations on assistive devices and adaptive equipment.
• Tilikum Regional Service Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Access interpreter services, social events, support groups, education and outreach services, case management services, information and referral, assisted listening devices, telecommunication program (TED), and ASL classes.