Fortson 1
Melissa Fortson
Dr. Danny Wallace
LS 502
26 August 2008
Problem Statement: Access to Information and Library Patrons with
Intellectual Disabilities
A trend toward home- and community-based services has led to increasing
community integration for people with intellectual disabilities. While library services for
people with physical and sensory disabilities are well-established, library service to
people with intellectual disabilities bears further examination. This research project
explores the information-seeking behavior of people with intellectual disabilities. The
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities states that
“intellectual disability” is the currently preferred term for the disability historically referred
to as mental retardation; it originates before the age of 18 and is characterized by
limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. Individuals with disabilities
are asked about their information needs and how they address them. How do patrons
with intellectual disabilities use library resources? What practices can libraries
implement to improve access to information for people with intellectual disabilities?
Bibliography
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. The AAIDD
Definition. http://www.aamr.org/Policies/faq_intellectual_disability.shtml (accessed
August 24, 2008).