Disability Awareness Teresa Pedroso Disability Librarian

Aims of this session Recognise the basics of disability legislation Identify different types of disabilities To precise some facilities available for disabled readers Recognise the need for customer care

Legislation DDA and SENDA Disability Equality Duty Disability Equality Scheme 4 th December 2006 Equal opportunities between disabled and other people Obligation to take needs of disabled people into account in policies – impact assessments Transparent complaints procedure Anticipatory duty of all service providers

Definition of Disability ‘A physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day-to- day activities’ Impairment? – mobility, physical co- ordination, speech, hearing or eyesight, memory or ability to concentrate, severe disfigurement and progressive conditions

Discrimination Treating a disabled person less favourably than a non disabled person for a reason related to his/her disability without justification Refusing to provide a service Providing a lower standard of service on different term than to other people Failing to make a reasonable adjustment for someone with a disability

On the Front Line Good customer service / Common sense Disabled people are people first If in doubt ASK never ASSUME Be willing to change your assumptions – don’t be offended if help is refused How would you want to be treated? – Medical questions/Questions related to disability

Different Disabilities Visible / invisible Mobility impairment – e.g. wheelchair users Hearing impairment Visual impairment SpLD- Specific Learning Difficulties – e.g. Dyslexia Mental Health Difficulties and Medical Conditions

Mobility Impaired Wheelchairs, mobility scooters, canes, crutches, walking frames or NOTHING Access Lifts and stairs Book fetches – top shelf/lower level materials Are there areas the reader can’t get to? Alternatives – moving books to other libraries

Tips on addressing someone who has a mobility impairment Wheelchair – Private space Go to meet your reader Talk to your reader, not to his/her helpers Can you open the doors for them?

Hearing Impaired/Deaf 9 million people in the UK are deaf or hard of hearing Terminology – Deaf people and Deaf Community – Hard of hearing – Deafened people – Deafblind – Tinnitus

Tips on speaking to someone who is deafI Face the person Ask what is the best way to communicate Speak clearly – and not too slowly – Don’t exaggerate facial expressions – don’t cover your mouth – DON’T SHOUT! Don’t keep repeating – say it another way

Be patient Check understanding (yours and visitor’s) – Don’t pretend you understand when you don’t! Be clear and succinct – Don’t waffle Hearing Loops – Fixed and portable in reading rooms Fire alarms – Vibrating pagers/visual alarms/Peep Tips on speaking to someone who is deafII

Visually impaired 2 million people in the UK have sight problems Over 1 million could be registered as blind or partially sighted Terminology – Blind – Partially Sighted – Deafblind

Visually impaired Communication – Paper based Braille Moon Large print Clear print – Electronic – JAWS, WindowsEyes… – Audio - DAISY – Lip read – Verbal

Tips on speaking to someone who is blind I Word of mouth – verbal communication No eye contact - difficult Talk to the blind person directly Say ‘Hello’ and introduce yourself A light touch Say goodbye

Guiding Guide/ Assistance Animals allowed in libraries Don’t pet the guide dog – it’s working! Tips on speaking to someone who is blindII

Dyslexia and dyspraxia Invisible Specific Learning Difficulties [SpLDs] – Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia Don’t use jargon Be clear Coloured acetates and paper – receipts Clear signs and notices Scanning and photocopying Longer loans

Autism and Asperger’s Autistic Spectrum Disorders Asperger’s Syndrome – Routine – dislike change – Obsessive behaviour – Pedantic Language Communication Patience Familiarisation

Other disabilities Speech Impairment – If you don’t understand – ask! – Use another medium (writing) – Wait for the reader to finish his sentence

Bi-polar Affective Disorder (manic depression) – Patience – Longer loans Epilepsy, Asthma, Diabetes – First Aid – Water and food in libraries

Disability and Language Avoid association with negative images – cripple; handicapped; lunatic; freak Avoid terms that invite pity Don’t define by disability – ‘wheelchair user’ not ‘wheelchair bound’ Do not worry if you say ‘See you later!’ People first

What does OULS do for readers? Longer loans Height adjustable desks and chairs Hearing loops Software – JAWS, textHELP Hardware – keyboards, mice ty/aracu/aracu_resources ty/aracu/aracu_resources ARACU

Further information /