Resources for ensuring your library and information service is accessible for disabled people.
Resources for providing services to disabled users
Providing a library service that is accessible for those with disabilities will mean knowing accessibility standards for your library's physical facilities, the services you provide and for computer access.
You will also need to keep up-to-date with developments in disability and accessibility, such as campaigns like the Right to Read campaign run by the RNIB, new technology and new policy and legislation.
Share the Vision in association with the Society of Chief Librarians (SCL) and the Scottish Library & Information Council (SLIC) have developed six steps that library services can follow in order to provide better services for blind and partially sighted people.
The MLA has a webpage on libraries and disability including Disability Portfolio Guides a collection of 12 guides on how best to meet the needs of disabled people as users and staff in museums, archives and libraries. It gives invaluable advice, information and guidance to help overcome barriers and follow good practice.
Accessibility for Visitors is a document that looks at new technology and its uses for disabled visitors.
Assistive technology can give those with many types of disabilities and conditions access to computers. AbilityNet have factsheets on all aspects of computing and disabilities.
You can keep up-to-date with web accessibility developments by checking Accessibility guidelines for websites.
TechDis is an educational advisory service, for accessibility and inclusion.
Once you are disability compliant, you will need to ensure that information about your library and services are coded to show the specific facilities you provide. Access codes, developed by Artsline, show whether your venue has facilities for disabled people. The codes are:
E – hearing loop system installed
W - venue with un-stepped access via main or side door, wheelchair spaces and adapted toilet
X - venue with flat or one-step access to event/meeting area
A - venue with 2-5 steps to event/meeting area, or split-level access
S - venue with many unavoidable steps and/or other obstacles for wheelchair users
G - provision for guide dogs
The resource 'Guidelines for library services to people who are housebound' published by the Library Association in 1991 is still a good guide to providing services to people who cannot get to a library.