This FAQ provides additional information to support the application of the Reasonable Accommodation for Patrons with Disabilities policy

What is a reasonable accommodation and why do we offer it?

A reasonable accommodation is a modification to library services, programs, or activities for a patron with a disability or a past disability and may include addressing physical access, communication and other needs. It may include making exceptions to the library rules,policies, practices and procedures. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires public organizations to provide reasonable accommodations.

When to submit a request for reasonable accommodation:

After determining that the patron’s request is for an accommodation to access a library service, program or activity, submit the request using the Reasonable Accommodation Request form or provide the patron with information on how they can submit the request on their own. 

The Reasonable Accommodation Request form should be completed when:

• A patron is requesting access or modification to a library service or program that is not already provided by the library, see Services provided for people with disabilities (note: requests for sign language interpreters may be made through the form or directly with the Contact Center) or
• The request is for an ongoing exception to a library rule.

When a patron is requesting an accommodation that may extend beyond one day, the request may be granted on an interim basis while the request is being evaluated.  In that case, make sure to fill out the Reasonable Accommodation Request form with the patron's consent, so that the accommodation may be fully evaluated to determine if it is reasonable. This allows for ascertaining whether the request is supportable at the location or for an extended duration, identifying alternative options and making sure the accommodation request and expectations are communicated to necessary staff.  

If the request falls within any of the categories below, the Reasonable Accommodation Request form does not need to be filled out.

• If a patron is requesting a service that the library already provides for patrons, as indicated on the Services provided for patrons with disabilities or Accommodation user profiles in Symphony pages, connect the patron with that service.
• If a patron is requesting a resource or device that is not a library service or program, like braille books or videophone technology, reach out to the Disability Accommodation Group for advice and recommendations. Because this is not a request for modification to library programs or services, it is not considered an accommodation request.
• If a patron is requesting a one-time exception to library rules, meaning the need is for just that day rather than ongoing, consult the PIC, who then can address the request that day.

If the request is for a sign language interpreter, see the Sign language interpreters page on the library commons.

How to submit an accommodation request:

The Reasonable Accommodation Request form can be found on the Accessibility page of the library’s website. Make sure you have consent from the patron to submit the request. If the patron prefers, they can fill out the form on their own or call the Contact Center.

What to expect in the process:

The Reasonable Accommodation Request form goes to the Policy Coordinator Librarian, who will then identify ways to address the need. The Policy Coordinator Librarian will work with the patron and the location leader or program manager to determine the best ways to meet the patron’s needs. In cases where it will be helpful, especially when an exception to library rules is granted, a letter will be drafted and provided to the patron informing them whether the accommodation can be supported, a description of the accommodation, what the patron can expect when using library services, and resources and other options when an accommodation can not be provided. The letter may be emailed or mailed to the patron depending on their communication preference,  while in some cases that may not be possible and the patron may get a copy of the letter at a library location (see the location manager for accessing and printing the letter for the patron).

To maintain confidentiality, the letters are only accessible to select staff that may be supporting or providing the accommodation (e.g. location managers or program or event hosts). Location groups, location managers and Community Information staff, may view the accommodation tracking sheet to see whether the patron was granted an accommodation. 

How to support an accommodation:

Location managers may share with location staff that a patron has an accommodation and what needs to be done to support their request. If a patron indicates that they have an accommodation in place, honor the accommodation and work with them to provide the accommodation. Patrons do not need to have a letter as proof of an accommodation. If there is an immediate question about the accommodation, check with the location manager or EMT PIC.

Who to contact with questions:

For questions about the accommodation process or an accommodation request, please reach out to the Policy Coordinator Librarian: Jennifer Keyser at jenniferk@multco.us.

For questions about what services and resources are available for patrons with disabilities, please contact DAG ( lib.disability.accommodation.committee@multco.us).