I think that this is an interesting topic, and ties in very neatly with a
conversation I had recently. The broad context of the conversation was
that if x, y and z were altered (if x, y and z represent environmental
barriers), then I might not need a support assistant. Years ago there was
a programme on the BBC about two families, one of whom preferred to use
support assistants, and one of whom preferred to use equipment - basic
conclusion was that it is very much an individual decision (the recent
conversation about converting WebCT to BSL reminded me of this too).
On a more practical note, we have an area of our library where we are not
supposed to take some books (reference/short-loan) out of (usually heavy).
If I needed something quickly, I negotiated with library staff to be allowed
to take books/articles to the accessible scanners instead (dual purpose in
my case as I need scans rather than photocopies for better OCR, but it also
solves the 'how do I use the photocopier by myself' issue, and is cheaper
than photocopying). It also means that I don't need to ask staff to help
me, and is quicker than handing in a request for someone to photocopy pages
1-5 of a book/journal for me.
Does your LRC have adjustable height desks with scanners/computers anywhere
near it? (scanners are usually easier to lift the lid of too, as it's
usually lighter...although of course you may have to copy pages seperately
rather than two at a time).
Quoting Jackie Ellis <[log in to unmask]>:
> Hi
>
> Within our LRC we have new photocopiers but none of them are low
> level. This proved a problem with one student in a wheelchair who
> could not lift the top sufficiently to place a heavy book on to
> photocopy and had to ask a member of staff to do this for her.
>
> Our supplier does not provide low level copiers as they consider the
> ones they manufacture accessible and I wondered what others did in
> their institutions, do you have low level copiers or do you use a
> member of staff to help?
>
> Your comments would be appreciated. My email address is below if you
> want to reply off list.
>
> Jacqueline Ellis
> Disability Support Officer LIS
> University of Hertfordshire
> [log in to unmask]
> 01707 286098
>
>
>
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