MCPL Accessibility Advisory Committee

The MCPL Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) advises the MCPL Director and Library Board on how to increase the value of library services and programming for people with disabilities.

On This Page

Mission

To advise the Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) Director and MCPL Library Board members on increasing the value and  accessibility  of library services, facilities, on-line presence, and programming for individuals with disabilities.

Meetings

The AAC meets four times per year, on the second Tuesday of the month, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Location or virtual access information will be posted on the Library Board page on the MCPL Board and LAC Meeting Calendar.

Accommodation Requests

People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing should request English-language captioning or sign-language interpretation at least five days before the library-sponsored program they plan to attend. Contact the Assistant Facilities and Accessibility Program Manager at 240-777-0002 with all other accommodation requests.

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas & Minutes

Committee Members

  • Nadia Abouraya (Individual)
  • Richard Bell-Irving, Chair (Learning Disability Association of Maryland/Montgomery County)
  • Debbie Brown, Vice Chair (Sligo Creek Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind)
  • Cindy Buddington (Independence Now)
  • Jane Carona (National Capital Area Chapter of the American Council of the Blind)
  • Jonina Duker (Individual)
  • Francie Gilman (Individual)
  • Wendalyn Hovendick (Individual)
  • Barbara King (Individual)
  • Joyce Plaxen (Individual)
  • Yasmin Reyazuddin, Secretary (Individual)

Goals

These goals were developed in 2023 as a way to focus AAC initiatives and track accomplishments:

  1. Develop and improve the AAC’s connections and credibility within MCPL and the County.
  2. Conduct outreach to get more people with disabilities using libraries.
  3. Develop and promote MCPL programs and services that have value to disability communities.
  4. Improve digital and technology accessibility.
  5. Provide feedback on the accessibility of library facilities.
  6. Advise on staff development and training pertaining to serving customers who have disabilities.

Applying for AAC Membership

AAC members are volunteers who represent a broad range of disabilities. Total membership is 12 to 15, which includes both individuals from the general public and staff representing local disability organizations. Complete and submit the AAC application form to initiate the membership process.

AAC Overview

For more information about the background, roles and responsibilities of the Accessibility Advisory Committee, see the AAC Overview (PDF).