The New Haven Free Public Library complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by providing reasonable modifications of library services, programs, and activities to disabled individuals.
The ADA defines a person with a disability as someone who:
1. has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of major life activities (such as learning, walking, seeing, etc.);
2. has a record of having had such an impairment; or
3. who is perceived or regarded as having such an impairment.
Accommodations and Resources
We are committed to ensuring our locations are welcoming and accessible for all. Some of the accommodations we offer include:
- Welcoming service dogs who perform a specific function to support library visitors with disabilities.
- Large-text keyboards in our public computing areas for low- or no-vision individuals.
- Adjustable-height desks in our public computers area at Ives Main Library for folks with mobility challenges.
- Sensory-friendly storytimes and playtime for children
- Online resources for video storybooks and animated picture books
- Playaway talking books and players
- With enough advance notice, we can provide American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters for programs and events.
Toggle the purple headers below to learn how we support visitors who do not speak/read English.
Non-English Speakers
- The Library is committed to helping people whose first language is other than English navigate our many free services and resources for all ages.
- The Library’s website can be translated into over 100 languages. Click on the green “Translate” button on the righthand corner of any page and select your desired language from the dropdown menu.
- Many of our marketing materials about Library services are available in English, Spanish, and Chinese.
- If you have questions about language assistance or would like to request a language access accommodation (e.g., interpretation for a program), please complete the form below or reach out to a Library staff member.
Hablantes no inglesas
- La Biblioteca está comprometida a ayudar a las personas cuyo primer idioma no es el inglés a acceder a nuestros muchos servicios y recursos gratuitos para todas las edades.
- El sitio web de la Biblioteca puede traducirse a más de 100 idiomas.
- Haga clic en el botón verde “Traducir” en la esquina superior derecha de cualquier página y seleccione su idioma preferido en el menú desplegable.
- Muchos de nuestros materiales de marketing sobre los servicios de la Biblioteca están disponibles en inglés, español y chino.
- Si tiene preguntas sobre asistencia lingüística o desea solicitar apoyo de acceso lingüístico (por ejemplo, interpretación para un programa), complete el formulario a continuación o comuníquese con un miembro del personal de la Biblioteca.
讲其他语言的居民
- 图书馆致力于帮助母语非英语的读者顺利使用我们为各年龄段提供的众多免费服务与资源。
- 图书馆网站支持 100 多种语言翻译。
- 点击任何页面右上角的绿色“翻译”按钮，从下拉菜单中选择您想要的语言。
- 我们的许多图书馆服务宣传材料提供英文、西班牙文和中文版本。
- 如果您对语言协助有任何问题，或希望申请语言服务便利（例如活动口译），请填写下方表格或联系图书馆工作人员。
Requests for Reasonable Accommodations
The New Haven Free Public Library seeks to provide reasonable accommodations for physical access, communications, or other needs to ensure that services, activities, and programs are available to individuals with disabilities.
If you require a reasonable modification to an upcoming program or service, you are welcome to request it. Requests can be for specific equipment and services, such as sign language interpreters, printed material in alternate formats, or assistive listening devices.
The Library cannot and will not ask you to disclose your disability. However, we do ask that you provide us with information necessary to help us make a program more accessible for you. All information gathered from Accessibility Accommodation Requests is kept confidential and only shared on a need-to-know basis to address the request unless disclosure is otherwise required by law. Once a request is reviewed, a written response will be issued.
We are happy to provide accommodations for our programs with enough lead time to make arrangements. Requests should be made as far ahead of when they are needed as possible to allow time for a review and for arrangements. Requests should be made at least 14 calendar days before the program or activity.
Requests for reasonable accommodations will be honored unless:
- The request fundamentally alters the program, service or activity, or poses an undue burden on the Library.
- The request was not made by or on behalf of a person with one or more disabilities.
- The request was made without enough lead time for the Library to prepare effectively for the accommodation.
Please note that under Title II of ADA, the Library is not required to provide to individuals with disabilities personal devices, such as wheelchairs; individually prescribed devices, such as prescription eyeglasses or hearing aids; readers for personal use or study; or services of a personal nature including assistance in eating, toileting, or dressing.
Accessibility Accommodation Request Form
Please complete the election form below or download and submit a printed version at least 14 days prior to the program to request an accommodation.