Accessibility at APLD
The Aurora Public Library District strives in providing access to all of its materials and services to every individual. Below is a list of ways APLD can provide accommodations for people to make our spaces and services less disabling. For additional requests or suggestions please contact us here.
Accessibility Accommodation Request
If you need an accommodation in order to participate in the library’s programs and activities please make your request to the library 10 days in advance. Feel free to call 630-264-4117, chat us, reach out via social media or complete the form below.
Mobility and Accessibility Devices
Assistive Devices Kit
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Includes:
- Bottle Opener: Tool that clamps onto bottle caps, making it easier to open or close bottles.
- Key Turner: Tool with a large handle loop to help users lock and unlock doors easily.
- Pen Ball: Tool that provides a more comfortable grip for writing tools, like pens and pencils.
- Tube Opener: Tool that assists with opening smaller caps & lids.
- Signature Guide: Tool that helps users write neatly in a designated space for signing their names or writing initials.
- Bag Carrier: Tool that makes it easier to carry plastic grocery bags.
Replacement Cost: $8.50
Blood Pressure Monitor
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Includes:
- 1 blood pressure monitor
- 1 quick start guide
- 1 user manual
- 4 AAA batteries
Replacement Cost: $27.39
Cane with Seat
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This cane is both a supportive walking aid and can expand into a seat to rest on.
Not available for checkout. For customers to use during their library visit.
Folding Walker
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This foldable walker is a lightweight mobility aid for customers needing some assistance with stability while moving around the library.
Not available for checkout. For customers to use during their library visit.
Folding Wheelchair
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This lightweight folding wheelchair supports customers with limited mobility move around the library. It has swing-away leg rests and arm rests.
Not available for checkout. For customers to use during their library visit.
Handheld Magnifying Glass with Light
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Includes:
- 1 magnifying glass
- 1 USB-C charging cable
- 1 cleaning cloth
- 1 user manual
Replacement Cost: $17.99
Hearing Amplifier
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Includes:
- 1 sound-amplifying device
- On-hear headphones
- Microphone extension line
- USB-C charging cord
- User manual
Replacement Cost: $99.00
Mobility Scooter
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This electric mobility scooter assists customers with limited mobility to move around the library. Not available for checkout. For customers to use during their library visit.
Rolling Walker
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This rolling walker is height-adjustable, assisting customers that require some stability when moving around the library and offers a seat to relax in when needed.
Not available for checkout. For customers to use during their library visit.
Noise Cancelling Headphones
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Includes:
- 1 pair headphones
- 1 plug adaptor
- 1 AAA battery
- 1 user manual
Replacement Cost: $48
Resources for People with Hearing Disabilities
- A sign language interpreter for programs and events is made available to you free of charge whenever possible. Fill out the Accessibility Accommodation Request form ten business days in advance to request a sign language interpreter.
- Online application process to obtain a library card.
- Library events on Zoom include live captions. Learn about enabling live captions in this how-to guide.
Resources for People with Visual Disabilities
- Font size and contrast options are available for our website. Click "Accessibility" at the bottom of the website for options.
- Large-type books
- A Digital Collection with e-books, audiobooks, movies and music
- Books on CD
- Screen reading and zoom software installed on public PCs.
- Narrator – is a screen reader that describes what’s on the screen.
- Display and vision – allows customization for cursor, text, color etc.
- Live captions – catch every word from any audio with live captions.
- Voice access: Command and Control PC with your voice.
- Read-a-long books for children called Vox books.
Resources for People with Mobility Disabilities
- Online application process to obtain a library card.
- Drive-thru window and Curbside Pickup available
- Home delivery of books, music, movies and other library materials.
- Accessible buildings with electronically operated door entrances and elevators.
- A Digital Collection with e-books, audiobooks, movies and music
- Virtual programs including book discussions, teen video games, presenters, and more. To view our archive of virtual programs click here.
- Online Resources available from home.
- One on one assistance with business help, technology assistance and citizenship help.
- Wireless printing - print from home and pickup your documents via drive-thru or curbside pickup.
- Virtual Meeting Rooms available for booking online via the library's Zoom account.
Resources for Neurodiverse People
- Sensory kits provide a broad range of benefits to many people. For children, sensory toys help support their brain development, language development, and social skills by encouraging problem solving through providing or reducing tactile, visual, or auditory stimulation. Sensory kits can also help people of all ages channel excess energy and promote neuroplasticity by improving their mood, balance, and memory. You can find sensory kits at all APLD locations by visiting a service desk.
- Take a digital tour of our locations so you can feel prepared for your visit
- A quiet room is available at the Eola Road Branch and private study rooms can be reserved at all locations.
- Quiet room and study rooms at Eola Road Branch are unavailable as of 1/8/2025 date due to renovations.
Additional Resources
- RightHear is an audible way-finding system that helps turn our library’s spaces into more accessible environments for everyone. The environment comes to life through audio descriptions delivered directly to a smartphone or tablet, helping library visitors explore, navigate, and experience the library safely and independently. RightHear is currently enabled for the Santori Library. Download the app from Google Play or the App Store and be sure to enable Bluetooth. Please note: the app does not list all of the pieces of furniture or obstacles one might encounter in our spaces, so users should exercise caution when moving about the library. Learn more about RightHear with our How-To Guide.
- APLD utilizes Boostlingo to offer on-demand telephonic and video interpretation services in over one hundred languages, including ASL interpretation. Boostlingo provides on-demand interpreting via phone or web, connecting staff and customers with a translator in seconds. Interpreting services are also available via phone for customers who cannot visit the library in person.
- The Talking Book and Braille Service (TBBS) provides audio and braille library service via mail or digital download to any Illinois resident who is unable to read standard print material due to a permanent or temporary visual or physical disability. It is available through the Illinois State Library.
- Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) makes available books and magazines from the vast NLS collection selected on the basis of their appeal across a wide range of interests. More than 115,000 audio and braille fiction and nonfiction titles are available, including some in languages other than English. Issues of more than ninety magazine titles are also available. NLS adds new titles regularly, including specially acquired music scores and music appreciation books. More information can be found at the Library of Congress website.