Beginning April 17th, 2024, Easterseals Iowa and the Des Moines Public Library will enter into a partnership to provide a selection of Assistive Technology devices to the public. These devices will be available through DMPL’s Library of Things, a collection of household, recreation, and other non-book items. These materials can be reserved with a library card at dmpl.org/library-of-things, and can then be picked up at any of the six DMPL locations.
The Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Center has selected a sampling of 10 assistive technology devices from their current inventory of over 2,000 devices and items. Assistive Technology (AT) is any device that allows a person to perform a task that they are unable to do without assistance. The initial sampling of AT devices available through DMPL’s Library of Things will range from adaptive board games like braille Monopoly to Pen Readers that can assist individuals with dyslexia or reading difficulties to have printed words read back to them. Access to Assistive Technology devices can greatly increase quality of life for individuals with and without disabilities, making it easier to access their communities, live independently, and be more productive at work.
The goal of the partnership between the Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Center and Des Moines Public Library is to make it easier for Polk County residents to access assistive technology and to increase the awareness of how AT devices can increase quality of life for many in our community.
Tracy Keninger, Director of the Assistive Technology Center and Rural Solutions programs at Easterseals Iowa shared, “We are incredibly excited to enter into this partnership with the Des Moines Public Library. Our mission is to ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to live, learn, work and play in our community. Access to assistive technology can help remove barriers to independence for many individuals. Having these devices available at DMPL will make them easy to access, and hopefully more people will learn about how AT can enhance their lives.”
For more information about this program, visit the DMPL website.
Through 19 innovative program lines, Easterseals Iowa is enriching education, enhancing health, expanding employment and elevating community for those we serve.
Des Moines Public Library is the public library system for the City of Des Moines. With six branches and a collection of about a half million items, the Des Moines Public Library is the largest public library system in the state of Iowa. The mission of the Des Moines Public Library is to strengthen our community by connecting people with ideas and tools they need to enrich their lives.
Community and Media Advisory
Media Contacts:
Krable Mentzer Tim Paluch
Chief Communications Officer Marketing & Communications Supervisor
Easterseals Iowa Des Moines Public Library
515-309-9776 or 515-802-5800 515-283-4288
kmentzer@eastersealsia.org tjpaluch@dmpl.org
About Easterseals
Easterseals Iowa empowers people to live independent, full lives. We make a lasting difference in the lives of over 3,000 Iowans each year by providing essential services to children and adults with disabilities and their families. Through 21 innovative program lines, Easterseals Iowa is enriching education, enhancing health, expanding employment and elevating community for those we serve.
