Scope
This module should be undertaken by individual members of staff from managers to frontline staff.
Learning Objective
This learning activity requires you to explore and use technology to support the needs of disabled people using your services.
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 the range of products, services and technologies
Skills
- Improved skills in choosing and using adaptive technologies everyday in your library to help disabled users
- Improved skills in choosing and using communication aids to enable a user to communicate more effectively with others
- Improved skills in choosing and using other available technology tailored to meet specific requirements
- Improved skills in using library systems e.g. circulation, reservation, membership with a range of disabled users
- Improved skills in solving problems constructively when working with disabled users
Attitudes and values
- Demonstrating a willingness to develop and take responsibility for own learning to support disabled users
- Demonstrating flexibility in responding to change and to differing needs of disabled users
- Demonstrating a willingness to embrace change to improve services to disabled users
- Demonstrating interest in and empathy with disabled people and in meeting their needs as individuals
- Demonstrating creativity, enjoyment, inspiration and innovation in responding to the needs of 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 would help and then working with your team design, implement and evaluate a specific improvement to your service.
Task 1
Timings needed for activity
Task 2
Timings needed for activity
- Accessibility options 1 hour
Task 3
Timings needed for activity
- Communication aids 1 hour
Task 4
Timings needed for activity
Task 5
Timings needed for activity
Links to some further sources of information and support
AbilityNet
The UK's leading charity bringing the benefits of computer technology to adults and children with disabilities.
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.
Communication Aids Project
Funded by the DfES and managed by Becta. CAP is designed to help pupils who have a significant difficulty in communicating with others.
Communication Matters
A UK national charitable organisation of members concerned with the augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) needs of people with complex communication needs.
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.
SeeAbility
A registered charity working with adults who have a visual impairment and a range of additional disabilities, promoting an understanding of their needs, and providing a range of services designed to encourage independence and enhance quality of life.
Web Accessibility Initiative
Pursues accessibility of the Web through five primary areas of work: technology, guidelines, tools, education and outreach, and research and development.