New guide to help disabled students secure 'truly accessible services'

12 June, 2007

A new guide aimed at libraries within higher education institutions is published today as part of a drive to ensure equality of access for disabled students across the UK and Ireland.

Published by SCONUL - the membership body for UK and Irish higher education and national libraries - the guide sets out how library managers and staff can overcome the physical, attitudinal and behavioural barriers which still impede disabled students.

The number of students in higher education who disclose a disability is increasing, and this guide outlines measures for institutions to develop good practice as-well as clarifying the implications of recent legislation such as the UK's Disability Discrimination Act 2005.

Dr John Hall, Chair of the SCONUL Access Steering Group said,

"Libraries within higher education institutions are committed to going beyond mere compliance with legislation. We want to ensure truly accessible services for the disabled. So for example this guide will enable library managers to anticipate needs, and not rely on waiting until an individual has to disclose their particular difficulties"

"It's about integrating not segregating. The guide ensures all students benefit from the suggested improvements, for example through improved signage and through universal access to services such as text-to-speech software. I urge all library managers and higher education staff in general to read the guide as it contains valuable information on improvements in staff training and management of service delivery in relation to the disabled."

The guide, which has been made freely available online, outlines potential sources of financial provision and details how library staff can find the best ways of addressing accessibility issues related to a range of disabilities and differences from autism to visual impairment.

Dr John Hall added,

"The nature of the student experience is changing and the role of the library or learning resource centre must change too. It's vital that we develop the systems to understand and respond to modern user needs. I believe the way in which many higher education institutions are pro-actively examining their policies and practices for disabled students is a good example of this forward-looking attitude".

Full copies of the guide can be viewed at: www.sconul.ac.uk/publications/pubs/access_disabilities.pdf

For more information contact Elliot Frankal, SCONUL Communications Manager on 07989 524780 or elliot@linstockcommunications.com