Accessible technology is designed to be inclusive of the needs of all users; assistive technology is created to enhance the daily lives of people with specific disabilities. Both types of technology are vital to a library’s ability to address barriers to information for its patrons. This exhibit provides an overview of past and present forms of accessible and assistive technology used on Stanford’s campus. 

Curated through a collaborative effort of Stanford University Libraries (Natalie Jean Marine-Street, Oral History Program Manager, Stanford Historical Society; Rebecca Pernell, Associate Director & Head, Access Services; Josh Schneider, University Archivist; Hilary Thorsen, Resource Sharing Librarian; Kristen Valenti, Exhibits Coordinator, Silicon Valley Archives), the Office of Digital Accessibility (Auston Stamm, Digital Accessibility Instructional Specialist), the Office of Accessible Education (Robin Cole, Alternate Format & Assistive Technology Manager), as well as former Telesensory Inc. employees & the Optacon community (Judy Adams; Joan Bliss; Steve Brugler; Richard Oehm; Noel Runyan).

This exhibit is free and open to the public. Learn more about visiting Stanford Libraries on our website.