According to the 2015 American Community Survey, approximately 9 percent, 6,500, of the residents in our community have a disability and data indicates those numbers will continue to increase. As the library serves all community members, we want to provide services and resources that promote inclusion through human centered design and enhanced accessibility. To meet this goal, AHML has updated its vision and priority statements and made a commitment to develop a culture of continuous improvement.

Internally, there is collaboration across all departments, with an interdepartmental assessment team and a targeted process of collecting feedback from all employees. Monthly, leadership disseminates the collected information so that opportune improvements can be implemented or researched. Externally, we have shared our commitment to improving inclusion in library newsletters, encouraging customers to provide their ideas and suggestions. The assessment team plans to use surveys and focus groups to hear and respond to community needs.

The anticipated outcome is an inclusive, forward-thinking environment where staff can serve all customers in a well-designed, flexible and engaged manner, anticipating opportunities for improvement and responding in a thoughtful and timely manner. We anticipate increased programming and services for customers with disabilities, their caregivers and the community, in a respectful atmosphere where everyone can feel that their experiences are recognized and valued in our library and our community.