Appendices 19 Foreword by NSW State Librarian & Chief Executive I am pleased to present the State Library of New South Wales’ Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2016-19. As the State Librarian and the Executive Sponsor of this Plan, I reiterate the Library’s commitment to provide inclusive and accessible services and programs, collections, public spaces and work areas. This Plan builds on and extends the Library’s previous Disability Action Plans while also fulfilling the requirements of the new Disability Inclusion Act 2014 (NSW), and contributing to making Sydney and New South Wales increasingly inclusive and accessible. Included in the Plan are several key developments will contribute significantly to the Library’s accessibility. Over the next two financial years, the State Library will spend approximately $4.9 million on major infrastructure works primarily focused on increasing accessibility to the Mitchell Library. The works will include the addition of an accessible entry to the Mitchell Library building from Shakespeare Place, accessible lifts to all public levels of the Mitchell building, new ambulant toilet facilities and accessible wayfinding signage. I look forward to welcoming a new era of accessibility for the historic Mitchell Library that will meet the needs of a wide range of clients and patrons. In 2016, the Library will also unveil its new website with improved accessibility features aimed to provide greater access to Library collections, services and programs, including clear and simple site navigation, continuous user experience across our various online platforms, mandatory content to better support browsing via assistive technology, and a suite of redesigned media viewers. Planning and progress on disability and accessibility considerations will be ongoing and progressive, an area of continuous review, development and improvement. Providing accessible and inclusive services to people with disability, and making our collections, programs and public spaces accessible and inclusive are matters of ongoing priority and the responsibility of all staff across the Library. Throughout the life of this Plan, we will strive to ensure that all members of the community can experience inclusive access to our collections, public spaces, services and programs, and employment at the Library. Alex Byrne NSW State Librarian & Chief Executive Introduction ‘I learned the truth at 17. That I was not wrong for the world I live in. The world I live in was not yet right for me’.
Action Plan 2016-2017 This Action Plan focuses primarily on the next two years (2016–2017) with some ongoing elements to be implemented each year or as annual elements. It also includes actions that will be cumulatively progressed over a longer period, such as building active partnerships with the disability sector, working towards collaborative projects and promoting the Library’s accessibility services. The Plan will be reviewed and updated each year, and cumulative or progressive actions updated. Please Note: sections of the following Action Plan that are shaded grey represent ongoing actions that the Library will pursue over time and are not linked to a particular target date for completion. 1. Community Attitudes and Behaviours Goal: The State Library of New South Wales is a welcoming, accessible and inclusive organisation where people with disability are respected, treated equitably and provided equitable access to collections, public spaces, events, programs and the digital environment. State Library staff understand disability and accessibility and are committed to supporting and working with people with disability in the course of their work and business. Outcome: People with disability feel welcomed and respected by the Library and that our public and digital spaces, services, events and programs are inclusive and accessible. Action Performance measures Responsibility Timeframe Establish a Consultative Committee on Accessibility comprised of people with lived experience of disability. Key action External Consultative Committee on Accessibility established. Coordinator, Projects and Policy State Librarian June 2016 Pilot a new Library Fellowship for people with disability. New Library fellowship investigated and piloted. Coordinator, Education and Scholarship Mitchell Librarian January 2017 Collect documentation on the experience of people with disability. Materials on the lived experience of people with disability added to the collection. Manager, Collection Strategy & Development Ongoing Coordinate disability awareness training and orientation for all security officers. All security officers provided with Disability Awareness training. Manager, Security Manager, Human Resources Learning and Organisation Development Lead December 2016; Ongoing
2.2 Improve clarity and visibility of directional signage for the lift in Governor Bashir Reading Room (GMBRR). Clear and visible signage for lift in GMBRR. Manager, Publications & Design Manager, Information & Access Manager, Facilities & Built Infrastructure 2016 2.3 Install height adjustable tables in the GMBRR for patrons who are wheelchair users. At least two height adjustable tables installed in the GMBRR. Manager, Information & Access Coordinator, Facilities 2016-17 2.4 Install hearing at the Macquarie Building Foyer Information Desk, the Request Desk on Lower Ground 2 of GMBRR, and in the Galleries (as part of the Mitchell Galleries project). Hearing loops installed. Manager, Facilities & Built Infrastructure 2016 – 2018 2.5 Provide captioning and/or Auslan interpreters at live events. At least three events per year with captioning and/or interpreters. Manager, Events 2016; ongoing 2.6 Promote Library events (with Auslan interpreters) to deaf community organisations and networks to increase attendance. Attendance at Library events by deaf or hard or hearing patrons. Manager, Exhibitions Manager, Events Publications and Design 2016; ongoing 2.7 Provide and promote accessible tours of exhibitions with Auslan interpreters. Two tours conducted per exhibition. Attendance by deaf or hard or hearing patrons. Manager, Events Senior Curator, Research and Discovery By December 2016 2.8 Ensure new Mitchell Galleries and exhibition designs consider wheelchair accessibility, visibility (height) and low vision patrons. New Mitchell Galleries and exhibition designs meet legibility and height standards and address accessibility considerations. Manager, Exhibitions Senior Curator, Research and Discovery Ongoing 2018 (galleries re-open) 2.9 Exhibition videos are captioned and audio described. 100% of exhibition videos captioned and audio described. Manager, Exhibitions Leader, Digital Channels 2016; ongoing 2.10 Ensure future signage accessibility standards. Future signage design is accessible for a range of patrons. Manager, Publications & Design 2016; ongoing
4.5 Conduct periodic tests and maintenance for all assistive technologies (including hearing loops). All assistive and adaptive equipment is operating effectively. Manager, Facilities & Built Infrastructure ICT Network & Service Desk Coordinator 2016; ongoing Undertake review of Adaptive Technology equipment (including software licences) to ensure all are up-to-date and functioning. All adaptive technology has latest versions and is functioning effectively. Manager, Information & Access Adaptive Technology group December 2016 Develop signage to actively promote awareness of Adaptive Technology. New signage banners produced and located in GMBRR LG1 and LG2 and Macquarie Foyer. Manager, Publications & Design Manager, Information & Access December 2016. Ensure adaptive technology group is trained in the use of adaptive technologies available in the Library. Number of staff trained in adaptive technology equipment and software. Refresher training provided as required. Manager, Information & Access Coordinator, Client Services and Business Team Ongoing 4.9 Inform Library volunteers and tour guides of accessibility services and adaptive technology in the Library. Volunteers tour guides aware of adaptive technology and Accessibility Guide. Volunteer Program Coordinator Coordinator Projects and Policy February 2016; Ongoing (1-2 a year) 4.10 Deliver training for Read-It Wand technology to adaptive technology group and promote Read-It Wand to CALD and disability communities. Community awareness of technologies and increased usage. Multicultural Consultant, Public Library Services Manager, Publications & Design December 2016 4.11 Transcripts, captioning and/or audio description provided for all video and audio content on the primary Library website. All video and audio content on the primary Library website have transcripts, captioning and/or audio description. Leader, Digital Channels Manager, Events 2016 onwards 4.12 Seek sponsorship or Foundation funding to support a transcript project to ensure audio and video content published on all Library digital channels have transcripts and/or captioning. All audio and video content on Library digital channels have transcripts and/or captioning. Leader, Digital Channels Manager, Media & Communications 2016-17 4.13 Implement new Eventbrite booking system to provide options for event attendees with disabilities to request assistance or support. New Eventbrite booking system implemented. Manager, Events 2016