The Provision of Library Services for Visually Impaired Students in UK Further Education Libraries in Response to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act (SENDA)

Abstract

The provision of library resources for visually impaired students in the further education sector was investigated, and the effect the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 had on this was explored. Questionnaires were sent to library professionals in 230 further education colleges, in England, Scotland and Wales, in order to examine the general level of awareness and implications of the Act. Five respondents were interviewed to discover in more depth how the Act had affected libraries and the provision of resources for visually impaired students. Advice was also sought from the RNIB and others and a conference about ‘Enabling ILT to Include All Learners’ was attended. It was found that the Act had affected each library differently. Some were better equipped to implement the requirements of the Act due to the resources already in place, the positive attitudes of senior management encouraging advancements in this area and previous experience in assisting visually impaired students. Other libraries had more work to do and concerns surrounding training and funding were raised as possible problems that could prevent the successful implementation of the Act. Senior management need to put financial resources aside for physical alterations, equipment and training. Library managers need to evaluate services and conduct physical access audits. Library staff need to continue being helpful and liaise with other colleges and relevant organizations to establish methods of best practice, to make library services accessible to visually impaired students in order to comply with the legislation.