Access, Equality and Inclusion Access, Equality and Inclusion Delivering inclusive services through technology and staff training

Opportunities Library and learning resource staff are key influences in helping people developing independent learning skills.

How people learn Reflect on knowledge / skill Introduce new knowledge / skill Demonstrate new knowledge / skill Test understanding of new knowledge / skill by completing specific assignments Reflect on knowledge / skill Write responses Interact with resources Record information Plan responses Reading tools Alternative interface Recording tools Planning tools Communication tools Writing tools What they doHow to help Visualisation tools Technology Enabling Independent Learning

Challenges Library facilities are used by a wide range of people with widely varying abilities and accessibility needs. Users turn up at any time with support needs that cannot necessarily be predicted. Library staff may not have personal knowledge of the different users or their specific needs.

Challenges Library services must be prepared to anticipate the needs of prospective users and provide information in the range of alternative and electronic formats. Providing such service accessibility should be a core service not an optional extra. Library Services for Visually Impaired People: a Manual of Best Practice (

Key points from SCONUL Key concept: Normal activities must be taken to include the majority of library use activities, such as access to book shelves, seating, counter services, using electronic materials, photocopying etc. Key concept: Students will be encouraged to disclose if they can see they are in a non-discriminatory environment, which is seen to anticipate their potential needs. Disabled people may therefore legitimately expect that: planning for their need to access resources, services and the physical environment will have been pre-planned. staff will be trained in how to use the specialist equipment and software provided staff have attended disability awareness training and are able to advise accordingly on how the library or resource centre can best meet their needs. Task Force on Access for Users with Disabilities - Dec 2002

Advantages Library staff are familiar with electronic resources such as online catalogues etc. Library staff often have a wider knowledge of available electronic collections. Library staff may already be familiar with issues around alternative formats and services to procure them. Online and electronic resources are often much more accessible.

A Question? Is the problem about what the person can’t do, or what the library environment inhibits them from doing independently?

What are the barriers for people with specific learning difficulties? May be unable to find books on the shelves. May be unable to interpret signage, and could, therefore be physically disorientated. May be unable to use the self-service facilities effectively. May have difficulties with reading s, overdue notices etc. May take longer to read books, requiring extended borrowing times. May have difficulties keying in search terms and using the catalogue effectively

Technology Solutions Software Solutions Include: Talking Word Processors Scanning/OCR Writing tools Speaking spell checkers Mind mapping.

Technology Solutions Tape Recorders or Minidiscs or MP3 Players Handheld Organisers/PDA Coloured overlays and sticky notes Fluorescent markers

What are the barriers for users who are Deaf? Because information and entertainment from sources such as radio or television are not readily accessible, many Deaf students may tend to rely more heavily on the library to source information. English language and understanding new concepts can be a problem. Can staff at service points use British Sign Language are they sensitive to the issues involved when lip-reading / lip-speaking? People who lip read often only understand 25% of what is being said, the rest is guesswork. Glossaries of library terminology can help. Can people their book requests in advance? Image courtesy of Gerry McCann

Technology Solutions Fixed or Portable Loop Systems at your desk or for use elsewhere in your library. Visual Fire Alarms. Text equivalents for any information you provide in audio format. Texting to keep in touch with users. Good lighting in your library Subscribe to TypeTalk.

Technology Solutions

What are the barriers for users with physical difficulties? Problem in carrying out practical tasks. Often the physical problem is the only barrier. Often people make judgements about cognitive and intellectual abilities too. If the environment or the systems were changed, the problem might not be an issue any more. Same disability will present differently depending on the individual. There are many fairly simple and low cost solutions that might help.

Technology Solutions Alternative peripherals such as:  Trackballs.  Keyboard.  Joystick.  Foot control.  Head Pointers.

Technology Solutions Speech input Alternate Keyboards: –Mini. –Large. –One-handed. Book Holders

What are the barriers for users with visual difficulties? Public perception is misleading - only 4% of registered blind people have no vision at all. Some people who are blind cannot use a computer monitor and must receive information from their computers via another sense (e.g. screen readers such as JAWS). People with low vision can modify their computer displays so the screen is more legible or can use assistive magnification technology to see the screen. In libraries, the opportunity to browse catalogues online and book requests in advance can be a great help. Good signage in libraries is essential. Image courtesy of BECTA

Physical Environment. Tactile map of library with Braille labels Large print shelf labels on a pale yellow background Colour coding for different subject areas

Technology Solutions Large Monitors. Closed Circuit Televisions (CCTVs). Enlarged keyboard labels. Screen Enlargement: –Accessibility options to increase font, or improve resolution. –Magnification software

Alternative Formats Braille Audio Large Print DAISY Format Braille Display

Alternative Formats See

Alternative Formats

The site now processes 400 Something New : A Free Braille Transcription Service

In-Built Accessibility A screen too far Can’t find your cursor?

Assistive Technology Freeware Thunder FX Software AbilityNet

Individual Differences Mouse does not work Learning Style Working in an environment with high light levels To prevent RSI Disability To suit Individual visual preferences Left glasses at home Sound does not work Inclusion for All

Where to look for guidance?

Where to look for guidance? Resource Unit for Visually Impaired People Mitchell Library Glasgow Images courtesy of Glasgow City Council

Where to look for guidance? Open Rose Group

Access, Equality and Inclusion Access, Equality and Inclusion Delivering inclusive services through technology and staff training

References Edinburgh University Library Online 26/ RNIB Clear Print Guidelines ublic_printdesign.hcsp Designing and adapting of libraries and other services Dyslexia Friendly Libraries