Genealogy for the Physically Challenged
HostGFSDarlaJo
GENTREK, April 15, 2002
We all have challenges of some kind in life: time, money, health, transportation, real world jobs, kids, spouse, pets, etc. Challenges keep our lives interesting, but they also present some road blocks. I would like to discuss how a physically challenged person might tackle some of the difficulties in genealogy research.
I can wake up on a Saturday morning, hop in the shower, throw on some jeans and a T-shirt, jump in my van and drive down the road to the state archives all in under an hour. I can climb up on the step-stool that they have to reach the high shelves (OK, my challenge is being short), and can even run up the stairs to the state library if the urge arises to see what is up there. Not everyone is this lucky: they have physical challenges that limit what they can do, how quickly they can do some things, even when they can do certain things. My biggest hindrance is motivation to get out of my nice warm bed, imagine if I was deaf, or paralyzed, or needed medical equipment at all times, or was in a wheel chair. This certainly makes me thankful that I am just altitude and gravity challenged!
Imagine trying to research in your favorite library with a physical challenge that you don't now have. Wheelchair confinement, paralysis, deafness, breathing difficulties, back pains, allergies to mold \ dust \ paper, or any other physical condition that could make research harder. Those impairments don't make genealogy research impossible, just a bit more challenging. You have to plan a little better, be a bit more organized, have a bit more patience, and be a little more creative in the use of available resources.
One of the most important things to do before you visit a genealogy library, whether you have a special challenge or not, is to PLAN AHEAD. While genealogists are the nicest people you will meet, don't take advantage of their kindness. Do as much of your own research and work as possible, and don't forget to offer help to others. Those who offer assistance are more likely to get assistance in return. My goal is that you will not focus on what you CAN'T do, but rather concentrate on what you CAN do.
Getting TO the facility
Obtain the name, address, phone number, and email of the facilities that you plan to visit. Contact the local library, or archives ahead of time. Let them know your limitations, and ask the staff for suggestions to make the most of your visit with your special needs. Even though it takes longer, I suggest that you write to the facility for this information. Writing down all your questions in a letter will help you to remember everything you want to ask, and will also give the staff a chance to gather all the information without spending a long amount of time on the telephone. Having the information in writing from the staff will also help to eliminate any errors in the details, and you can put the information right in the front of your research notebook for easy reference.
Most public buildings are required to be easily accessible to the handicapped, but don't assume anything. Ask the staff about ramps, stairs, elevators, and other building obstacles that may hinder you. Ask the staff about parking arrangements:
- How far away is the parking?
- Is parking free or are there parking meters?
- Is it usually hard to find an open spot or are there plenty of parking spots?
Knowing what to expect will help you to arrive on time and make the best use of your time.
If you cannot drive yourself to the library, have a plan and a backup plan for your transportation. Public transportation is wonderful, but can be limiting. Taxis are a possibility if you don't live too far from the library. Some communities have a special service available for special needs transportation, but they have a limited travel area and schedule. If you are going to be dropped off and picked up later, make sure to have a way to contact someone in case you need to leave earlier than scheduled or decide you want to stay longer. Do you have a cell phone, or is there a payphone close by?
USING the facility - policies and procedures
You can plan ahead for a library visit just like those who must travel long distances to do their research. A research trip just requires a bit more planning and patience for those with limitations. Write to the facility for a copy of the hours of operation and their policies \ procedures. Ask for a list of the research resources that they have and any restriction on using those resources.
Find out about the physical arrangement \ location of the resources you will be using.
- Are the libraries aisles wide enough wheelchairs?
- Are the libraries books and films in the same room \ location?
- Are the book shelves as tall as the ceiling, which requires a step stool or ladder to reach the top?
- Are film files kept locked, which requires a staff member to pull the films for you?
- Does the facility have lockers for your personal belongings or do they want you to leave everything in your vehicle?
- Don't forget to inquire about restrooms and water fountains.
If you are in a wheelchair, check into buying a tool that has a clamp on a pole, for grabbing things up high. If you are deaf or have trouble speaking, have extra paper and pencils so you can write your requests and the librarians can reply on your paper with their answers. If you must have special medical equipment with you, make sure the facility can accommodate you (are aisles wide enough? Do you require an electrical outlet?). If you are in a wheelchair or on crutches or can't walk very far at a time, make sure to ask if there is construction or work going on that would restrict your access during the time you want to visit
All of these specifics could be a hindrance to someone with a special challenge, but can be quickly sidestepped with a bit of planning. Consider making your first visit to a new facility just a short “get acquainted” visit. Take some time to look around and become familiar with all the resources, and the layout of the building. This will help you to plan for future, lengthier visits.
Other restrictions to consider:
- Some facilities don't allow photocopies of old books, but they will allow you to take photographs or digital pictures of them (usually without a flash).
- Many have a small number of film readers;
- Not all libraries or archives allow laptop computers;
- Seating may be limited;
- Some are really busy on certain days of the week, but have hardly any visitors on other days;
- Book bags and purses may not be allowed;
- Some facilities close the doors for lunch and you can't stay during that time (Are there restaurants close by or should you have a sack lunch with you?);
- Will you be allowed to make your own copies, or do you have to fill out a form for the staff makes the copies;
- Many libraries require that you read you films on a reader, and then go to a separate reader-printer to printer your copies.
All of these policies and rules should be known before you arrive, in order to best utilize your research time.
If you require special help getting in and out of the library, talk to the library staff before your visit so they know you are coming and can be prepared. Perhaps you can recruit a family member or friend to research with you to make it more convenient and more fun. You might offer to buy their lunch and pay for their copies in exchange for them helping you in and out of the facility, reaching books, or loading the microfilm reader.
USING the resources
Planning ahead includes deciding what records you want to use. What information do you want to find? Which types of records will have this information? Are these records in print or on film? Does this facility have the films and books on hand, or do you need to order them via interlibrary loan? What if you find all of this information and still have time left; what other information do you want to find?
There are many things that you should have handy for your research trip. I suggest having a notebook with zipper pockets to hold all your supplies. Most libraries will allow see-through pockets in a notebook even if they won't allow bookbags and purses. They only want to be able to verify that none of the library's resources “accidentally” walk out the door.
I suggest that you have several items in your notebook:
- current pedigree charts
- current family group sheets
- current descendancy charts
- your research logs
- blank paper for making notes
- several pencils (I prefer mechanical pencils and keep an extra supply of lead refills in my notebook.)
- coins for copies or payphone
- posit notes (I prefer different colors for different family lines.)
- magnifying glass
- sheet of yellow paper (This helps to make some films easier to read when placed on the view screen.)
- any medications that you might need during the day
Other items if they are allowed:
- digital camera (and backup data disks for the camera if needed)
- laptop computer (I suggest you have a backup of your data with you just in case, and a blank disk to make a new backup when you are done for the day. Do not copy over the old backup, just in case you need it later.)
- electrical cords for camera and laptop, or extra batteries
How you can help YOURSELF
You can order in your films to fit your visiting schedule. For instance, if you can only sit for an hour at a time, don't order in 5 films and expect to get them all read in one afternoon. Order in one film in time for your first visit, and schedule another film for each subsequent visit.
Keep in mind that the staff won't be able to do your lookups for you, but they will probably be glad to pull books or films from a shelf that you cannot reach, or teach you to use the microfilm machine. If you need special help reaching books and can't "con" ... I mean find ... someone to research with you, be sure to ask the staff before your visit if someone will be available to pull resources for you. A note on manners: don't be “demanding” in your requests. Politeness and understanding will get you those same considerations in return. Simply BE NICE!
While the Internet is a great compliment to genealogy, not all records are online, and not all information on the web is accurate. If you can't physically visit a library as often as you would like (or not at all), remember that the postal service and the telephone can help you a great deal. When you write or call a library, be sure to have all of your information written up ahead of time, so you don't forget an important detail. Your questions should be specific so that you will get specific answers. If you are writing to a facility for a lookup, find out their policy for written requests before you write. Many libraries will not reply if the request does not meet their regulations. Don't expect a library employee to take your request over the phone and then call you back.
Consider joining a genealogy society. Members usually get benefits for joining, and usually get a newsletter detailing all the new data that is acquired. Find out how you can contribute to the society, and in return you might find someone who can do lookups for you. Homebound people can still transcribe records, answer email requests for facility information, stuff envelopes, or even help to develop \ maintain a society website.
If you need pictures from a cemetery and can't walk the area yourself, consider having someone video tape the whole cemetery, and then you can transcribe the whole cemetery for others to benefit. For folks that have a bad back, plan ahead for the time you will need to sit at the film reader. Perhaps read a film as soon as you arrive, and then go work on some books and printed items so you can move around. You might then feel like sitting through another film at the end of your visit.
You can also join an online email list that is specifically for Genealogists with disabilities. It is always nice to be able to communicate with others who are facing the same struggles in life. You can find more information about this email list at:
http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/other/Miscellaneous/DISABLED-GENIES.html
