As a librarian for teens and young adults with disabilities I often find myself wondering what I can do to actively promote accessibility and high quality information service. In an effort to marshall my thoughts on the subject, I started this blog. It is my hope that writing this blog will help me to, a) document what I learn about providing information and library services to teens with disabilities and to, b) organize information resources for teens with disabilities, their families and the people who serve this population.
Developing effective information services for individuals with disabilities is not an easy task. The needs of individuals with disabilities are varied and the means by which services are provided to this population are complex. In the article Gabe's Care Map, mother Christin Lind shares a map she created that illustrates just how obscure and convoluted services for people with disabilities can be.
Gabe's Care Map
Belkin, Lisa. "Gabe's Care Map: Cristin Lind, Mom, Illustrates What It Takes To Raise One Boy With Special Needs." Breaking News and Opinion on The Huffington Post. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Jan. 2013.
Pretty confusing right?
The sheer volume of information on the subject of disabilities is enough to daunt the most astute researcher. The goal of this blog therefore is to bring some clarity to the confusion that seems to be endemic to the world of disability service. In addition I intend to:
- Organize resources in multiple formats so that they are easily accessible by the widest range of individuals
- Offer information services that account for a range of disabilites and learning styles
- Promote self direction to Teens and Young Adults within the disability community (promoting the information needs of teens rather than parents or care providers).
- Promote Information Literacy for Teens and Yound Adults with disabilities
- Reducing barriers for teens with disabilities and promoting access in all libraries
For many years, the stigma surrounding disabilities has compromised our ability to have honest conversations about the issues confronting teens and young adults in the disability community.
I intend to change that.
Barrier Free Library (New York Public Library)
http://www.nypl.org/voices/blogs/blog-channels/barrier-free-library
Resources for improving library accessibility
http://www.disabilityresources.org/DRMlibs.html
Disability access in libraries
http://brianrowe.org/LIS550/2011/03/12/free-to-be-you-and-me-disability-access-in-libraries/
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