Scope
This module can be completed by an individual manager but it would be more valuable to see the task as a team activity with team members choosing to work on different elements of the task.
Learning Objective
To design, implement and evaluate a specific improvement in your services such as clear signage, simplified membership procedures, better sharing of stock.
Knowledge and understanding
- Increased knowledge and awareness of the needs of a range of disabled users
- Increased knowledge of examples of best practice
Skills
- Improved management skills in building and supporting high performance teams working with disabled users
- Improved leadership skills in visibly leading, motivating and supporting staff working with disabled users
- Improved management skills in setting priorities to achieve service objectives for disabled users
- Improved management skills in developing, implementing and evaluating improvements in your service for disabled users
Attitudes and values
- Demonstrating creativity, enjoyment, inspiration and innovation in responding to the needs of disabled users
- Demonstrating interest in and empathy with disabled people and in meeting their needs as individuals
- Demonstrating responsibility for initiating and managing change in order to achieve service objectives for disabled users
- Demonstrating a willingness to embrace change to improve services to disabled users
- 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 a range of disabled users to understand the barriers they face in using your services and what changes would make a difference. Then working with your team design, implement and evaluate a specific improvement to your service. To help you select disabled users to participate in your consultation you can:
- Consult with users who already use your services
- Contact local organizations and associations for disabled people
- Contact your local Disability Officer
Task 1
Timings needed for activity
- Reading and preparation 2 hrs
- Consulting with disabled users 3hrs
- Summarising requirements 1 hr
Task 2
Timings needed for activity
- Planning your specific improvement 2 hrs
Task 3
Timings needed for activity
- Evaluating your specific improvement 2 hrs
Links to some further sources of information and support
Adaptive technologies in public libraries
Paper from the Networked Services Policy Task Group.
Augmentative & Alternative Communication Policy
Northamptonshire County Council Document useful as a reference for others tasked with defining AAC policy and procedures.
British Deaf Association (BDA) Sign Community Website
The largest Deaf organisation in the UK run by deaf people, working for a society where Sign Language users have the same rights, responsibilities, opportunities and quality of life as everyone else.
EMMLAC
ICT pages with information on accessibility & website development standards.
Employers' forum on disability
the authoritative voice on disability as it affects employers and service providers.
Museums & Galleries Disability Association (MAGDA)
Improving access to UK museums and galleries for people with disabilities, disseminating current best practice, and providing a forum for museum and gallery professionals to discuss areas of interest.
Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB)
UK's leading charity offering information, support and advice to people with sight problems: Braille, Talking Books, Computer Training and imaginative and practical solutions to everyday challenges.
YoureAble.com
Information, products and services for disabled people - life, shopping, news and community forums and discussions.