Module 8: Developing your access policies and plans for disabled people Scope This module requires consultation with a range of users with different disabilities and is best undertaken by a staff group representing all aspects of your service and all levels of posts, to be led by a member of the senior management team. The group could be organised in sub groups to take responsibility for some single tasks with the outcomes fed into the planning process. Learning Objective To consult with disabled users and key stakeholders and to develop your access policies and plans in response to these needs. Generic Learning Outcomes covered by this module Complete the Learning Needs Analysis Form to identify your specific learning needs. Knowledge and understanding - Increase in knowledge and awareness of the needs of a range of disabled users
- Increase in knowledge and awareness of resources available and range of products, services and technologies
- Increase in knowledge of range of ways in which information can be organised and means of access for disabled people
- Increase in knowledge of policies, systems and procedures for your service
Skills - Improved skills in developing and communicating the vision and policies and access plans for disabled people
- Improved skills in visibly leading, motivating and supporting staff working with disabled users
- Improved skills in using management information to plan, monitor and evaluate services for disabled users
- Improved skills in ensuring access to relevant service information for disabled users
Attitudes and values - Demonstrating creativity, enjoyment, inspiration and innovation in responding to the needs of disabled users
- Demonstrating responsibility for initiating and managing change in order to achieve service objectives for disabled users
- Demonstrating interest in and empathy with disabled people and in meeting their needs as individuals
- Demonstrating a willingness to develop and take responsibility for own learning to support disabled users
Learning Activity This learning activity requires you to consult with disabled people in order to better understand the barriers they face in accessing your services, resources and buildings and then to develop your access policies and plans to remove, minimize or manage the identified barriers. Task 1 Timings needed for activity Task 2 We offer two options for these tasks. Option 1 If you want to carry out a comprehensive audit and develop a comprehensive strategic plan. Option 2 If you want to make a start on developing your access policies and plans. Timings needed for activity Task 3 Timings needed for activity Self Assessment Please now use the Self Assessment Form to check your progress. Links to some further sources of information and support Access for users with disabilities SCONUL (Society of College, National and University Libraries) briefing on the implications for libraries of the Disability Discrimination Act Part IV: focus on provision in higher education institutions, but the value of cross-sector links and joint working with other professional groups is emphasised. Accessibility of online learning materials University of Aberdeen guidelines/checklists for accessible online learning materials. Books for disability Offers advice, information and 'sign-posting' on the subject of reading difficulties, learning disabilities and books which are relevant to different impairments / disability issues. DEMOS Online Materials for Staff Disability Awareness. Disability Rights Commission Open 4 All Microsite focused on the campaign to improve access for disabled people. Learning to Listen Consulting children and young people with disabilities Save the Children Report including some practical ideas and strategies on consulting with disabled children and young people. Libraries and Learning Centres Good Practice Guide The Disability Discrimination Act Part 4. Know your Community The Institute of Public Finance (IPF) have produced a best practice guide to help public libraries improve their knowledge and understanding of varying community needs. The guide is available below and includes information and guidance on choosing the best means of consultation, conducting surveys, running focus groups, developing community profiles and acting on research findings. There are also case studies of good practice from seven library authorities. RevealWeb Source of information in a range of accessible formats: resource catalogue and register of suppliers. UK Council on Deafness Works with and for deaf organisations in the UK by providing information, advice and support and by representing the views of the sector to government and policy makers; Publications of interest to those who work with deaf people, include a Good Practice Guide, and Setting up a Deaf Users' Forum. STV/Museums, Libraries and Archives Council Best Practice Manual Information and guidance for library services for visually impaired people. Chapter 3 - The Disability Discrimination Act 1995, and its implications for provision of library services is a useful starting point; Appendix A2 - summarizes national guidelines for Library and Information Services for visually impaired people. Back to top
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on consulting with disabled users 
Download Access Disabilities Brief (Word 488KB)