Literature searches carried out in our previous research into literacy and learning disabilities made it clear that there was a group of adults and children who were not able to learn to read and write. It was also clear that libraries were not able to cater for their needs, although there were non-conventional (or ‘inclusive’) literacy activities meeting the needs of the most disabled, some of which could be suitable for use in public libraries. As libraries may be inhibited by lack of knowledge of such resources, we have sought to provide two libraries in Birmingham with materials such as accessible books and picture-based software. This has been coupled with training for librarians through BILD. People with learning disabilities are at the centre of the project to test better library services as part of this action research. Furthermore people with learning disabilities are also providing training in disability awareness and storytelling. Initially two public libraries, their staff and a groups of people with learning disabilities will benefit from the project but their experiences will be recorded and made into a DVD and booklet to send to all interested public libraries and other groups of people with learning disabilities or organizations working with them.

Please contact Dr Penny Lacey for further information

Email: P.J.Lacey@bham.ac.uk

Tel: 0121 414 4878