CC Newsletter - 09/30/04 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Five adaptive technology computer stations (three in the Downtown Library, and one each at the Bethel and Sheldon branches) will offer the following: · A 19-inch monitor, for a larger screen view · A roller trackball in addition to a standard mouse; these large, sturdy, easy-to-roll balls offer better control. · A keyboard with extra-large letters and numbers · "OpenBook" software, which uses a scanner to "read" a printed page, then speaks the text aloud through headphones. · "ZoomText," which magnifies the onscreen view up to 16 times and reads onscreen text aloud. · "JAWS," (Job Access With Speech) offers the blind or visually-impaired access to nearly all the functions of the Internet without any loss of speed in comparison to sighted users. Many thanks to the community partners who consulted with EPL on the adaptive technology project, including Rob Cook and Cora Jones, Lane Independent Living Alliance (LILA); Kathleen O'Gieblyn and Mary Lee Turner, Oregon Commission for the Blind; Mike Thomas, Access Technology consultant; Karen Hyatt, City of Eugene Human Rights Program; Bob Joondepth; and Heidi von Ravensberg. New Videos in American Sign Language EPL is the only library in Oregon--and one of only a few dozen in the nation--to acquire a collection of more than 200 videos in American Sign Language. About one third are geared to hearing parents and their deaf children, including children's stories in ASL and parenting information. The others are for deaf and hearing adults and young adults, and include biographies, health issues, history, how-to, reference, learning ASL, and ASL interpreting skills. The videos will appear on Library shelves later this year. As a reminder, the Eugene Public Library is wheelchair accessible and a sign language interpreter can be provided with 48 hours notice for any city-sponsored meeting. To reserve this service, or for more information on adaptive technology, please call 682-5450 or e-mail libraryoutreach@ci.eugene.or, us. Controlled Burn Used to Restore Native Prairie in Whilamut Natural Area Blackberries and other non-native vegetation on an eight-acre portion of Alton Baker Park will be removed through a controlled burn on Monday, October 4. Unless the weather is too wet or too hot and windy, the burn is scheduled to begin at approximately 1 p.m. in the Whilamut Natural Area, located in the eastern section of the park west of I-5 on the north bank of the Willamette River. For public safety reasons, access to the burn area will be restricted. However, the prescribed fire, unlike a wildfire, is quite safe and will be completely controlled and contained by the Eugene Fire Department. The Fire Department is partnering with the Parks and Open Space Division of Eugene Public Works to perform the controlled burn, which will serve two purposes. The Fire Department will use it as a training opportunity to practice wildland firefighting methods and test a new soy- based foam product that is fish friendly. The Public Works Department will use the fire as a restoration tool and follow Controfled burn in Alton Baker Park in 2003 the burn by reseeding the area with native plants. Historically, prairies in the Willamette Valley were burned frequently by Native Americans. By reintroducing this ecological process, Park and Open Space staff hope to reduce weedy exotic species, remove built-up thatch, and provide an opportunity to restore the area with native prairie species. For additional information, contact Natural Resources Specialist Trevor Taylor at 682-4880 or trev°r'h'tavl°r~'ci'eu'qene'°r'us' EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 3 October 1,2004