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ASL Access Brings American Sign Language Video Collections to Local Libraries |
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ASL Access at http://www.aslaccess.org) is a fully volunteer, 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization which places American Sign Language video collections in libraries. Our primary focus is donations of the ASL Access Video Collection to public libraries. This collection of over 200 videos includes many ASL lessons, translations of classic literature and children's stories, original ASL poetry, drama, stories and humor, biographies, history, interpreting demonstrations, and videos on health and parenting. These Collections have been enthusiastically received by the library public. Considering the ravenous public appetite for ASL - as evidenced by the rapid rise in sign instructional programs, high attendance at Deaf community events, and the number of visitors to the ASL Access website - this is not surprising. The ASL Collection may become one of the most popular collections in the library. ASL Access has had hundreds of requests for the ASL Access Video Collection. Requests from individuals, libraries, agencies, schools, colleges and universities across North America show the tremendous need for these once "hidden" resources. However, at this time, ASL Access has no government, agency, corporate, or private funding ready for these donations. Funding or sponsorship must be found (typically from a local sponsor) for each donation of the Collection. Once funding becomes available, it is sent to ASL Access for a targeted library. When the funding is received by ASL Access, we buy the majority of the videos from our distributor and have them shipped directly to the library. (Our distributor works with over 45 independent ASL publishers.) We also purchase and send additional titles from non-profit agencies and schools. With our special discounts, the total for the Collection is about $7700. We follow up by providing free publicity flyers and custom guidebooks which feature the names of major sponsors, the person or group to whom the Collection is dedicated, and the library name and address. All our services are free. Please note that ASL Access does not sell individual video titles. Individual ASL video titles may be purchased directly from publishers and retailers listed on the ASL Access website page entitled: "Where to Buy ASL Videos." ASL video reviews are also available on the website. The library receiving a donation of the ASL Access Video Collection is responsible to provide appropriate display shelving in a general area of the library (not a "special services/disabilities services" section) in order to market the videos to the general public. The library covers processing costs and replacement costs for videos which become lost. The library shares general feedback with ASL Access about patron response. A resolution in favor of the work of ASL Access was passed at the August 1998 White House Conference on Library and Information Services Task Force. Testimony was given by ASL Access to the United States National Commission on Libraries and Information Science Hearing on Library and Information Services to Individuals with Disabilities on July 8, 1999. Several national organizations supporting the interests of deaf persons and users of sign language have expressed strong interest in this project. The project meets American Library Association guidelines for library and information services for the American Deaf Community. ASL Access video collections offer a practical way for local libraries to bring popular information and entertainment resources to eager patrons in local communities. We believe that every library should include this ASL collection as part of basic library holdings. An investment in these ASL library materials provides on-going benefits to the whole community. ASL Access ASLAccess@aol.com 703.799.8733 voice 703.799.4896 tty http://www.aslaccess.org
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