The Phonic Ear assists patrons with hearing disabilities who may experience difficulty in attending bibliographic instruction courses in the library, or meetings in the building. The equipment consists of a transmitter and receiver worn respectively by the speaker and the listener.
In addition, we also have a conference microphone which can be placed on a table, turning the table itself into a microphone to help hearing impaired patrons fully participate in group discussions.
The Library Outreach Office maintains a 24-hour line with a TTY modem and telecommunications software for the deaf. This equipment is not located in the Assistive Technology Center. However, incoming messages from hearing impaired patrons can be received and their information requests responded to promptly. The phone number for the Library Outreach Office's TTY is 353-9034. Messages can be left on the machine which will be answered at the earliest opportunity.