Accessibility in Libraries
Digital Accessibility in the Library
Source Image: US Department of Education ALSC Blog
When reading the materials this week about accessibility in the library, I was reminded of Chen (assumed name). Chen is a young boy whom I met when he was in 2nd grade. Chen had a challenging road ahead because he had limited sight. Even though I was a substitute teacher and was not given Chen's exact medical condition, I could tell that while Chen was a bright and kind boy, what he needed most was that websites, the documents, the books, all the learning materials needed during the day to be accessible to him. Watching Chen, day in and day out, made me realize how important it is that our schools and libraries be accessible to all children at all times. It is that accessibility that makes us a democracy and the library a universal educator.
For Chen, this accessibility meant that his classroom work computer was enhanced with a tool that allowed him to zoom in and out of the material the teacher was displaying or the sites he was asked to go onto. Chen was often assigned a Specialist who would sit with him and help him navigate all the technology needed during the school day. This is the same accessibility we need in our public libraries.
In the libraries where I work, many children come after school to enjoy the video games, the crafts, and the books that we have. Wouldn't be beautiful if Chen could come one day knowing that a trained librarian would know exactly where to direct him so he too can enjoy the resources children his age are allowed to enjoy. In addition, it would be nice if space and technology were specifically dedicated to special needs patrons.
At my library, the administration makes an effort to train all of its employees on how to work and serve special needs patrons. We are all in need of developing more empathy and no effort should be spared in achieving this goal.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a teaching framework that recognizes the need for creating an inclusive learning environment. This is a wonderful too for helping those in the educational field to help all children experience the wonders of learning in whatever situation they may be found in.
Source Image: TKI inclusive education
I think it's fantastic that your library provides some training for the staff to assist those with disabilities. What kinds of things are involved or talked about in the training?
ReplyDeleteThank you Nicole: topics discussed include what to say and what not to say. How to address a person with disabilities with emphasis on the fact that they are a person first and the disability is second. We are also the specifics of disabilities and the danger of discrimination. Finally we are given tools to be successful at serving the members of our community who live with any kinds of disability.
DeleteThank you for sharing! The fact that your library provides training to their staff for those with disabilities is amazing! I think being knowledgable and well informed when you are not familiar with certain tools is key! This is especially important when we are dealing with digital tools and devices. There are frequent updates and developments with most technology and having the tools to be successful is relevant. Accessibility in libraries is something that I feel is not talked about as often but should be discussed. As librarians or teachers it is our job to assist every individuals that walk through our door.
ReplyDeleteI love how you connected this week's topic with an actual experience you had. It goes to show how important it is for all students to have access to technology. As well as having an adult who know how to show them how to use the technology and its features. The same should be in schools! I feel sometimes if you are not a special education teacher, you do not receive trainings on such tools and you have to teach yourself.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading about Chen's journey and yours. It is so important to have adequate training of knowledge of people with disabilities in this day and age. What I found as a heartwarming narrative of the time and care, reminds me of the importance of inclusion and acceptance. Although there were obstacles for this individual, there were also staff members who were able to allow him to access information using different types of accessibility features as well. Thank you for sharing, always a pleasure reading your posts.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree and I appreciate your comments!!
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