Assistive Technology Services for Visually Impaired People in Libraries [Event Ref. No. TG2/ATS]

Who should attend?

This event is aimed at those with an interest in the provision of library services for disabled people especially those with visual impairments, and those who have responsibility for this as part of their role.

What will the event cover?

The event will highlight the service that JISC TechDis provides concerning technology for visually impaired people, and will also highlight two case studies from academic libraries concerning their service provision for visually impaired people.

Speakers:

Paul Conway, Information Adviser and Accessibility Co-Ordinator, Sheffield Hallam University.

Paul Conway is an Information Adviser and Accessibility Co-ordinator at Sheffield Hallam University. Since 2003, he has been a member of the Open Rose Group, in which capacity he worked with Alistair McNaught on the JISC TechDis Guide to Obtaining Textbooks in Alternative Formats.

Teresa Pedroso, Disability Librarian, Accessible Resources Unit, Bodleian Libraries, Oxford.

Teresa has been involved with supporting disabled students in HE in a variety of ways for the past 6 years. At Oxford University, Teresa is responsible for coordinating the services that are provided for disabled readers across 30 different sites.

Alistair McNaught, Senior Advisor for Further Education, JISC TechDIS Service, York.

Alistair works as a senior advisor in the JISC TechDIS service. He has worked with many librarians in a range of contexts developing accessibility guidance for libraries and library staff. He is actively involved in the right to read alliance where he was chair of the e-book working group. He has worked closely with publishers in developing the publisher look up website and research in the accessibility of major e-book platforms. His current work with publishers is encouraging collation of good accessibility practice in the industry.

Outline Programme:

1.30: Registration with tea/coffee

1.45: Teresa Pedroso, ‘The dreaming spires: enabling access to the Bodleian Libraries collections’

2.30: Paul Conway, ‘The Open Rose Group and Obtaining Materials in Alternative Formats’

3.15: Short break with tea, coffee & biscuits

3.30: Alistair McNaught, ‘Meeting the needs of visually impaired users – quick wins, odd allies and strategic opportunities’

4.15: Question time and evaluation of session

4.30: Close.

Venue: Room MAL G16, Birkbeck College, University of London, http://www.bbk.ac.uk/maps

Please note that there are limited places available for this event.

To book a place please use our online booking form or email the administrator via cpd25@lse.ac.uk

Cost: £60 for cpd25 members and £75 for other institutions.

Cancellations less than one week before the event will be charged a 50% cancellation fee. In the event of a ‘no-show’ on the day, the full fee will be charged.