VIPERS Dec 2002 V isually I mpaired P eople of E ast R enfrewshire S upport Making ICT work for them Scott Simpson Systems Librarian East Renfrewshire Council

VIPERS Dec 2002 What’s Happening ? u People’s network u Community information portal u Internet / intranet u Modernisation agenda

VIPERS Dec 2002 People’s Network A new vision for libraries u Not just wires and boxes u Access for ALL to council, government, ICT, learning and information

VIPERS Dec 2002 Partners u New opportunities fund chairman - NOF strategy u The Scottish library and information council u Health boards u Careers partnership u Scottish enterprise- Renfrewshire u Deaf community u Vipers u Community council u Area committee

VIPERS Dec 2002 We asked – what can we do for you ? u Promote the work of the VIPERS u Promote issues and needs u Raise awareness and ease contact with councillors and officers

VIPERS Dec 2002 We have also… u Public information is made available automatically in large print and on tape u Regular meetings and suggestions from the group u Opportunity to influence council’s thinking and awareness

VIPERS Dec 2002 Listening to Needs u Zoomtext / touch screens on all CAP points in every library u Help from VIPERS to train the public on this in every library - VIPERS as volunteers u Using us and website to raise awareness of your issues u to lobby council and government organisations

VIPERS Dec 2002 Zoomtext u Magnification and screen reading software u Available in all libraries u Staff guidance and assistance on use

VIPERS Dec 2002 Touchscreen monitors u In response to suggestions u In conjunction with Zoomtext u Available in all libraries

VIPERS Dec 2002 We have been able to - u Improve their interaction with the community u Improve their e- access to councillors and officers u Promote events u News, jobs, learning opportunities……… u Widen horizons

VIPERS Dec 2002 The Partnership u Not just wires and boxes u Volunteer tutors for other VIPERS members u A template of joint working for us with other organizations