Bronx Library Center (New York Public Library)

Section C: Administrative Practices

Agency Mission and Values

Does the agency mission clearly reflect a belief about inclusion of people with disabilities and other differences?

Yes

Do agency vision and values articulate support for inclusion of people with disabilities and other differences?

Yes

Comments/additional information about agency mission:

Mission statement specifically states, “Promote the development of key skills and capabilities;” “create safe and reliable place where we and our patrons enjoy, honor and celebrate, and engage with our communities.”

Staff

Does upper administration (e.g., board of directors, administrators, managers) show support for inclusion?

Yes

Is a point of contact or ADA coordinator designated to coordinate inclusion at the agency? (preferably a certified therapeutic recreation specialist)

Yes

Contact Information

Brigid Cahalan, Outreach Coordinator; bcahalan@nypl.org; (212) 340-0951

Are managers and front line staff trained in disability awareness & inclusion as a routine part of staff training?

Yes

If yes, list main topics covered in training

Sensitivity training, respectful address, awareness of sight impaired sensitivity to touch

When observed, or when asked in an interview, do staff members interact with people with disabilities in a helpful and respectful manner?

Yes

Comments/additional information about agency staff:

Patrons with visual impairments regularly visit the library. A number of staff members have slight disabilities, such as a speech or vision impairment, or are native speakers of other languages.

Agency Planning

Are people with disabilities and/or their families involved in agency planning efforts? (e.g., board of directors, advisory board, public input)

Yes

If yes, list types of involvement/input:

Outreach Advisory Council is a long-standing committee mandated by the state, meeting twice yearly, attended by agency staff, library staff and representatives from independent living centers to address areas of concern within the disabled community.
In addition, there is an internal disability planning committee that invites staff and staff family members to discuss areas for improvement. Out of this involvement, mid-Manhattan’s Muhlenberg Branch installed FM assisted hearing technology to assist the people who have hearing impairments.

Is the agency involved in ongoing plans for inclusion and accessibility?'

Yes

If yes, has the agency made progress on identified areas in plan?

Yes

Agency Communication and Marketing

Is person first language used in written materials?

Yes

Is person first language used in oral communication?

Yes

Are alternative forms of communication available?

Yes

If yes, check the alternative forms of communication available:

Braille
Assisted Listening Devices
Large Print
Tdd/Tty
Close Captioned Video
Computer Screen With Reader

Do marketing and other printed agency materials reflect inclusion of people with disabilities? (e.g., access information provided, people with disabilities pictured in publications or on web site)

Yes

Is the agency website usable by people of all abilities? (e.g., simple design, consistent navigation, alt text for graphics, high contrast, no flashing/blinking features)

Yes

Comments/additional information about agency communication and marketing:

On the website, the international symbol of accessibility is prominently displayed. Although the current content does not show specific areas that are accessible, this will be addressed in the future.

Agency Policies and Procedures

Are emergency warning and evacuation procedures in place for safe exit of people with disabilities? (e.g., auditory and visual alarm systems, areas of rescue assistance identified)

Yes

Is there a written policy about the use of service animals?

Yes

Do personal care attendants attend free when accompanying a person with a disability?

N/A

If applicable, do prices for services accommodate people with financial need?

N/A

If applicable, are special dietary needs met?

N/A

Evaluation

Does the agency conduct evaluation on an ongoing basis and at the end of programs/services?

If yes, does evaluation include feedback on inclusion, accessibility or use of supports & accommodations?

N/A

Comments/additional information about agency evaluation of inclusion:

For the NYPL in general, there is no formal system for gathering feedback regarding programs and services in general. At the Bronx Library Center specifically, the library manager is available at an information kiosk in the lobby to receive feedback, which she then reports periodically.

Partnerships and Collaboration

Does the agency have partnerships with disability and other community organizations?

Yes

If yes, please list:

Notes About Administrative Practices

No content available

Bronx Library Center (New York Public Library)
Back to Agency

Assessment

Section C: Administrative Practices

Agency Mission and Values

Staff

Agency Planning

Agency Communication and Marketing

Agency Policies and Procedures

Evaluation

Partnerships and Collaboration

Notes About Administrative Practices

Bronx Library Center (New York Public Library) Back to Agency

Assessment

Section C: Administrative Practices

Agency Mission and Values

Staff

Agency Planning

Agency Communication and Marketing

Agency Policies and Procedures

Evaluation

Partnerships and Collaboration

Notes About Administrative Practices

Bronx Library Center (New York Public Library)
Back to Agency