Accessibility Services for Youth

Accessibility Support

The Arlington Heights Memorial Library has materials and services in place to accommodate library users of all ages. If you need any assistance during your visit to the library or additional accommodations, please notify any staff member or visit any public service desk. Please contact us if you require any additional accommodations. 

Assistive aid devices and sensory-friendly tools, like noise-dampening headphones and fidgets, are available for use in the library or during programs. Our Accessibility Support Collection in Kids' World offers print materials, toys, therapeutic and adaptive tools and more for kids, caregivers and therapists. The all-gender restroom and wellness room is also located in the middle of Kid World.

Accessibility Support Collection sign

Accessibility Support Collection in Kids' World

The library’s Accessibility Support Collection of print materials, therapeutic toys and tools was made possible in partnership with C.I.T.Y. of Support (Children in Therapy and You). This nonprofit organization's mission is to “create a dynamic community, both online and in person, that supports all families navigating the needs of their child in therapy.” 

The collection features some 350 items and provides an opportunity for families and therapists to try out specialized items before purchasing them which includes:

The collection is available for check-out for both AHML cardholders and reciprocal borrowers.  

Accessibility Features in Kids World

Assistive aid devices and sensory-friendly tools, like noise-dampening headphones and fidgets, are  available for use in the library or during programs. 

An all-gender accessible bathroom is available in Kids World, for single and family use. It includes a changing table and a wall-mounted safety seat.

The Wellness Room offers offers a quiet space for nursing mothers and for anyone who may need a calming space during their visit to Kids’ World. It contains emergency diaper packs and sensory toys.

Graphic of child's hand

Adapted and Accessible Books Online

Some of the library’s online research products for kids have special adaptability functions built into them, such as text-to-voice. This includes most article databases from Gale  (such as General OneFile and “Gale in Context” products) and   Ebsco’s Explora/EbscoHost products  (such as PrimarySearch or Explora Middle Schools). Usually, the text-to-speech appears in the controls above an article once it’s opened. Additionally, read-along products, such as TumbleBooks, BookFlix and LOTE4Kids feature audio playback of content as part of their basic functionality.

Additional online adapted and accessible books include: