At Ottawa Public Library (OPL), a great experience begins with meaningful interactions, and improving accessibility and ensuring everyone can fully participate, connect, and enjoy Library services, is a top priority. Almost 10% of the population of Ottawa experiences hearing-related disabilities, which can create a barrier to service.
To address that, the Library has added countertop assistive listening system, also known as hearing loops, at the Stittsville and Nepean Centrepointe branches. A hearing loop is a wireless system that sends sound directly from a microphone to a person’s hearing aid, cochlear implant, or headset. This cuts out background noise and makes it much easier to hear staff clearly.
“What’s good about it,” shared Robin Gallagher, Program Manager, Client Experience and Community Development, “is that this device reduces a barrier to service and does not require an individual to identify themself or ask for a device to be brought to them. The device is passively there, and the client can discretely connect to it.”
Next time you visit our Stittsville or Nepean Centrepointe branches, look for the blue ear symbol at the front desk to try the hearing loop.
You can also share your feedback by completing this survey. Your input will help us improve services for community members who are D/deaf, deafened, or hard of hearing, and ensure everyone can find what they’re looking for and feel included.