Did you know that 1 in 7 Canadians has a disability? Or that people with disabilities are half as likely to get a university degree as those without disabilities?
Most of us are aware of physical barriers, such as stairs and entrances, but how many of us have ever given thought to students who for any number of reasons can’t read their required textbook? Or can’t sit at a computer, read the screen or use the keyboard?
On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, McMaster Library is highlighting important services that remove some of the barriers that make it difficult for students to get or use the information they need for their coursework or research.
Each year, Library Accessibility Services provides assistance to some 100 students with disabilities, ranging from getting textbooks and other materials in alternate formats, to providing assistive software and equipment, to providing accessible study and consultation rooms.
Nancy Waite, TD Coordinator for Library Accessibility Services*, knows the impact of these services first-hand. “If we didn’t provide students with their required readings or research materials in alternate formats, they would not be able to complete their courses” she says. “Also, we can make a variety of library materials available to them so they have equal opportunities to do the research that they want to do on whatever topic interests them.”
Some of the services available at the Library include:
- Accessible format course materials, including textbooks, custom courseware, class readings
- Accessible format library books
- Book/journal retrieval
- Photocopying/scanning
- Book renewal online or by phone
- Accessible study/consultation rooms
- Adaptive software and equipment
Students who would like to use these services must be referred by Student Accessibility Services. For more information on Accessibility at McMaster, see here.
*The Library acknowledges, with thanks, TD Bank Group for its generous support of this position.
