Welcome to the BC SRC Accessibility Toolkit for library workers. This is a new resource for 2022 that will include ongoing updates as new materials and resources become available.

Have a great resource that you’d like to suggest? Email Stephanie Usher (BC SRC Provincial Coordinator) at bcsrc[at]bcla.bc.ca.

Last updated: June 6, 2023

Tips for an Inclusive SRC:

Some inclusive programming best practices from Dr. Tess Prendergast (UBC iSchool Lecturer and retired children’s librarian):

  • Be aware that your audience will always include children of varying abilities.
  • Recognize that it is the responsibility of each facilitator to make adjustments and accommodations to best suit the needs of their participants.
  • Ensure all program promotions make it clear that these programs are welcoming and inclusive, and that program content should be adaptable.
  • Feel comfortable to mix ’n match activities based on the needs and abilities of the children participating.
  • Let summer students and/or volunteers know it’s OK to adapt a program or activity.
  • Make sure your room set-up allows space for kids using wheelchairs and walkers
  • When possible, include (good!) books that represent children of different abilities and backgrounds.
  • Normalize accommodations and/or participation of a child’s caregiver with phrases such as “You can do this activity by yourself or with a partner”.
  • If an activity includes the use of plants (or a substance that may cause an allergic reaction), you may wish to include this info ahead of time to give people advance notice.

For an interview with Dr. Prendergast, please read the Spring 2014 issue of YAACing, found here.

BC SRC Special Report:

BC SRC Developed Resources:

Additional Resources:

Resources:

Journal Articles (available via databases):

  • Bushman, B., & Fagan, M.K. Public Library Programs and Accommodations for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children in the United States, The Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, Volume 24, Issue 2, April 2019, Pages 74–83, https://doi.org/10.1093/deafed/eny041.
  • Kaeding, J., Velasquez, D.L., & Price, D. (2017). Public Libraries and Access for Children with Disabilities and Their Families: A Proposed Inclusive Library Model, Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association, 66:2, 96-115, DOI: 10.1080/24750158.2017.1298399.
  • Prendergast, T. (2016). Seeking Early Literacy for All: An Investigation of Children’s Librarians and Parents of Young Children with Disabilities’ Experiences at the Public Library. Library Trends 65(1), 65-91. doi:10.1353/lib.2016.0023.

Additional Resources: