BCLA – Learning (Lib)Tech

Disability Awareness Training for Library Staff Summary

Margarete Wiedemann, North Vancouver City Public Library

last Canadian census: 1 in 7 Canadians live with a disability
public libraries are generally accessible to a degree
survey findings: what is helpful: online catalogue, home delivery, plain language,
barriers: physical envionrment, time on computer, standing in line, crowded seating, cognitive demands, asking for help and feeling like taking too much time, confusing signage, patronize/impatient/insensitive staff
solutions to barriers example: baskets with wheels, walkers for in-library use
some of the most difficult barriers with disabilities is people’s attitudes: need to think about what you say and write; person first language
Social-Ecological Model of Disability: disability is a difference, arises from interactions between individual and society, and remedy is a change in interactions and context
paradigm shift to full citizens with human rights, integrated, included, partipants.
communication tips: speak directly and clearly, make eye contact at eye level, show respect and patience, show and tell or walk and talk, ask for help if you are having difficulty understanding
universal design: recognize that there is a large diversity, and changes that benefit all users; fix the environment (not the individual)
universal design will cover 80+% of users, and cover the rest using inclusive design and individual accommodations
library staff can make a difference
just make the connetiion and offer what you have
an inclusive library begins with you

survey results: AIG section of the BCLA website

print disability: anyone that cannot read a book in “traditional” print format is considered print disabled
tour of the website
notes on formats: DAISY have MP3 inside of them, common format, but not one everyone is familiar with
resources: nnels.ca/libraries
possible engagement: books for student that are non-curriculum material
collections highlight awards and other collections including digitized InterLINK reels of BC audiobooks, Truth and Reconciliation (which is public domain and downloadable by anyone)

Discussions

devices: bone induction earphones, raspberry pi, slate and stylus, mp3 audio
copyright act allows format shifting for print disabled patrons regardless of copyright of the original version

Mike Edwards – Dyslexic Reader

made several attempts at universities
fear of feeling stupid, etc.
post secondary requires psychological examination: something that you had to prove, that you’re disabled
what works: have CNIB worker who keeps feeding books on CD
accommodations: colour codes text, TextAloud
opportunity for outreach: prisons, large percentage of dyslexics