Thanks to Princeton Public Library for Providing Assistance for Those with Hearing Difficulties
To the Editor:
This is a shout out to the Princeton Public Library and staff for the way in which they provide effective communication for their patrons with hearing difficulties.
The library is equipped with hearing loops at the information desks, the check-out counter, and in the Community Room and other public meeting spaces. These systems can be used by anyone using a hearing aid fitted with telecoil. For those people whose hearing aid does not include a telecoil, the library provides on request receivers to connect instead.
Not only is the technology made available but there is signage posted — the International Symbol of Access for Hearing Loss — blue background with outline of a white ear with a small “T” at the lower right — to let patrons know it’s there.
Going even further at the start of every public function the moderator, Janie Hermann or her colleagues, without fail announces that there is a loop system in the room and to request a receiver if needed.
There is more! The film series are shown with captions. Captioning benefits people with hearing loss but also those for whom English is a second language, emerging readers, students with learning disabilities, individuals with ADD/ADHD, and those watching media content in noisy environments.
I worked for 25 years before coming to Princeton advocating for laws that ensure effective communication in all areas of daily life, employment, education, health care, and civic responsibility. Princeton should be proud that the public library knows how to provide hearing access for the many people with hearing difficulties and does it consistently.
On behalf of all of us with hearing difficulties, thank you to Princeton Library and staff for enabling us to participate fully in the excellent programs you offer.