Scope
This module could be undertaken by an individual library manager but would be best run as a team activity with the tasks allocated between group members and if possible in partnership with other external service providers.
Learning Objective
To design, implement and evaluate a new outreach service or activity.
Knowledge and understanding
- Increase in knowledge and awareness of the needs of a range of disabled users
- Increase in knowledge and awareness of partners, stakeholders, suppliers, organisations, agencies and other service providers
- Increase in knowledge of examples of best practice
Skills
- Improved communication skills in meeting with disabled people as service users recognising and responding to the different needs of a range of disabled users
- Improved management skills in building and supporting high performance teams working with disabled users
- Improved management skills in visibly leading, motivating and supporting staff in working with disabled users
Attitudes and values
- Demonstrating active involvement in partnership with internal and external groups/organisations working with disabled users
- Demonstrating interest in and empathy with disabled people and meeting their needs as individuals
- Demonstrating a willingness to develop and take responsibility for own learning to support disabled users
- Demonstrating creativity, enjoyment, inspiration and innovation in responding to the needs of disabled users
Learning Activity
This learning activity requires you to examine the services you already offer and consult with a range of disabled people in order to identify any gaps in provision which an outreach service or activity could remedy. Then design, implement and evaluate a new outreach service or activity. The involvement of partners from an external service or group would be particularly beneficial.
Task 1
Timings needed for activity
Task 2
Timings needed for activity
- Task 2 Identifying the gaps 3-4 hrs
Task 3
Download a Task 3 pro forma to aid outreach topic selection. Keep an open mind. A topic for development may seem daunting, but by selecting appropriate partners with the right expertise, you could meet the need. To help select partners use the Building Creative Learning Partnerships Checklist from the Inspiring Learning for All website. Its focus is learning, but it could easily be adapted to suit any topic. The step-by-step guide on how to build your partnership from the Books Connect website is also useful. http://www.artsandlibraries.org.uk . For further help on exploring the issues involved in consulting people with disabilities use Module 5: Consulting with disabled users.
Timings needed for activity
- Task 3 Selecting a topic for development 3 hours
Task 4
Timings needed for activity
- Task 4 Planning and implementing 2 hours to set up, implementation should be recorded continuously throughout the project
Task 5
Timings needed for activity
Links to some further sources of information and support
Books Connect: Creating partnerships for libraries, museums archieves and the arts
An online resource designed to support creative collaboration between libraries, museums and the arts. It is aimed at middle and senior managers involved in developing and building strategic partnerships: a step-by-step guide on how to build your partnership.
CILIP Equal Opportunities Briefings
Library and information services for disabled people (including deaf and hearing-impaired people and visually-impaired people), services for older people, the employment of disabled people, organising meetings, courses and conferences, and sexual orientation in libraries.
CLAUD
Aims to improve library access for disabled users by disseminating information on disability; and to establish good practice. Includes list of links to external websites and to e-mailing lists and newsgroups which may be relevant to people with an interest in accessibility issues.
DEMOS
Online Materials for Staff Disability Awareness.
Disability Language and Access Guide
Barking Council guide making clear the accepted language and etiquette that has been defined by disabled people.
Employers' forum on disability
The authoritative voice on disability as it affects employers and service providers.
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.
National Institute of Adult and Continuing Education
Publications and resource materials on outreach work with disabled people.
Regional Action and Involvement South East (Raise)
The representative body for Voluntary and Community organisations in South East England.enabling voluntary and community organisations in the South East to influence policy, wherever it is made or implemented for the benefit of the people they serve.