State Library of NSW Strategy and Action Plan to Support People with a Disability 2015 Version 2.0 Last Amendment: [26/02/2015] Approved by: Executive Policy owner/sponsor: Director, Library Services Policy Contact Officer: Coordinator, Projects & Policy Policy No: [Records Mgt use only] TRIM File No: 52679 Date approved: 03/02/15 Next review: 31/08/15

State Library of New South Wales Strategy and Action Plan to Support People with a Disability 2015

1 State Library of New South Wales Strategy and Action Plan to Support People with a Disability 2015

Strategy to Support People with a Disability 2015

Introduction The State Library of New South Wales is a world leading library and centre of digital excellence. The Library informs, educates, inspires and surprises online, on site and on tour. Its rich heritage collections, contemporary print and digital materials, partnership with the public library network and vibrant collaborations enable Australians to interrogate our past and imagine our future. Core values and beliefs of the Library are access, equity and diversity. The Strategy to Support People with a Disability (the Strategy) contributes to the Library’s objective to enable full and active participation, and access to collections and services by, people with a disability. The Strategy includes mechanisms to gather input from the community on Library policies and practice and promote the Library as a place that welcomes the entire community. Disability is an evolving concept that requires on-going attentiveness to effective participation in society on an equitable basis with others. The definition from the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Commonwealth) of disability is:

Total or partial loss of a person’s bodily or mental functions

Total or partial loss of a part of the body

Presence in the body of organisms capable of or causing disease or illness

Malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of a person’s body

Disorder or malfunction that results in a person learning differently

Disorder, illness or disease affecting thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour.

The NSW community has a rich mix of visitors and residents from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, and with differing abilities, ages, faiths, sexualities and so on. Stronger Together: a New Direction for Disability Services in NSW 2006-2016 states that the NSW community currently has 200,000 people under the age of 65 with a severe or profound disability. Population Ageing in New South Wales, 2008 (ABS 4106.1) indicates that in 2006, 12% of the NSW population was aged 65-84 years and 1.6% were aged 85 years and over. By 2036, those proportions are projected to be 18% and 3.9% respectively. The role of the State Library as per the Library Act 1939 is to “promote, provide and maintain library and information services for the people of New South Wales through the State Library and through cooperation with local libraries and other libraries and information agencies”. To fulfil the requirements of the Act, the Strategy aligns with State Library’s strategic priorities and illustrates how the Library is serving the whole community. It outlines how the Library will address the needs of those with a disability to ensure they have access to the same opportunities, services and activities as the rest of the community. It is also

2 State Library of New South Wales Strategy and Action Plan to Support People with a Disability 2015

consistent with the objectives of the Disability Inclusion Act 2014. The Strategy carries forward the unfulfilled activities of the 2010-2014 Strategy and Action Plan to Support People with a Disability and provides an interim document whilst the next four year strategy is being devised.

Alignment with the current Library strategic priorities This Strategy supports the following Library strategic priorities.

Strategic Priority

People & Communities Pre-eminent destination - Major attraction for Sydney-siders, NSW residents and tourists on site and online Learning & scholarship - Innovators in learning and research in the education sector and in the community Great public library network - Strong, accessible public libraries through leadership and effective strategies Regional & community engagement - Visible and involved both regionally and with diverse communities

Staff & Capability

Enthusiastic staff - Staff who are engaged, high performing and highly regarded Capability rich - Ever growing capabilities through staff learning, opportunity and recognition Highly collaborative - Internally and with other cultural institutions, NSLA and other partners Leadership & transparency - Transparent accountability and effective leadership throughout the organisation

Collections & Access

Dynamic collecting - Rich collections which document history, culture and society in all formats Accessible content - Collection available for use in new and engaging ways on site, online & on tour Excellent information services - Client driven collections and services to inform NSW State-of-the-art-discovery - Open access and engagement with clients online

Sustainability

Renown - Renowned locally and internationally through relationships and online Financially sound - Strength through adequate resourcing and philanthropy Robust systems - Effective policies, processes, facilities, corporate services and risk

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management Green library - Reduced environmental impact through improvements to facilities and processes

Our values and beliefs

The Strategy supports all the Library’s core values and beliefs. These are:

Core Value or Belief

Equity of Access The Strategy identifies steps to remove the barriers that restrict people’s access to the Library’s physical space, services, employment and online access.

Innovation and Engagement Thinking beyond traditional boundaries towards innovative ways to provide access for the whole community, actively seeking community input and partnerships that are beneficial to enhancing access to services and employment, empowering people, and encouraging intellectual freedom.

Valuing People Recognising that people with a disability contribute to the Library, the Strategy puts in place changes to enable everyone to participate in and contribute to the development of the Library’s vision and direction.

Honour and Integrity The Strategy puts practices in place to respect the dignity of the individual, neutrality, honesty, accountability and collegiality across all communities.

Energy and Teamwork Working together to provide services to clients and being inclusive by offering all members of the community opportunities for employment

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Strategy priorities

The Strategy has six priority areas: 1. Our buildings and facilities adapted or information provided to enable

effective and equitable access by people with a disability to all our buildings, services and programs.

2. Increased usage of the Library and NSW public library services by people with a disability. Inclusive practices in exhibitions, public programs and services.

3. Staff confident and competent in providing services to people with disabilities.

4. Information about our services and programs communicated in a variety of methods to accommodate the diverse needs of a range of people with disabilities.

5. Measurable, continuing increases in the numbers of people with a disability employed in the Library and career progression of people with a disability comparable to other staff with similar knowledge, skills and experience.

6. Services and programs meet the requirements of the Disability Inclusion Act 2014 (NSW) and the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cwlth).

Legislative and policy framework There is a legislative basis underpinning the Library’s Strategy to support people with a disability. This includes but is not limited to:

Disability Inclusion Act 2014 (NSW)

Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cwlth)

Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW)

The Library Act 1939 requiring the State Library to “promote, provide and maintain library and information services for the people of New South Wales”.

United Nations Convention for Rights of Persons with Disabilities

NSW 2021: a plan to make NSW number one

Stronger Together

National Disability Insurance Scheme (Cwlth) The Strategy supports the priorities of NSW 2021: A Plan to Make NSW Number One with particular reference to:

State Plan Goal number State Library outcome

State Plan Goal 14 Increase opportunities for people with a disability by providing support that meet their individual needs and realise their potential. Target: Increase participation of people with disabilities in employment

Strong, accessible public libraries through leadership and effective strategies, visible and involved both regionally and with diverse communities.

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or further education.

State Plan Goal 15 Improve education and learning outcomes for all students. Target: Improve student achievement in literacy and numeracy.

Innovators in learning and research in the education sector and in the community, strong, accessible public libraries through leadership and effective strategies. Collection available for use in new and engaging ways on site, online & on tour. Client driven collections and services to inform NSW.

State Plan Goal 27 Enhance cultural, creative, sporting and recreation opportunities. Target: Increase visitations by 2016

SLNSW as a venue of choice for NSW residents and visitors. Renowned locally and internationally through relationships forged physically and online. Collection available for use in new and engaging ways onsite and online. Strong, accessible public libraries through leadership and effective strategies. Client-driven collections and services to inform NSW.

Monitoring and evaluation

The Library has made a commitment to becoming a welcoming place for all and to being fully accessible. The Strategy will be reviewed by the Executive to ensure that accessibility remains as a priority and meaningful outcomes are being achieved. The Library Executive has overall responsibility for the Strategy, while the Coordinator, Projects and Policies manages the development and monitoring of the strategy and chairs the Disability Advisory Group. The Executive, along with all People Leaders, has responsibility for ensuring that accessibility becomes an integral part of Library business planning and reporting. An annual plan is the mechanism that has been developed to identify priority areas for implementation, and to review progress against the baseline. An internal Disability Advisory Group, convened on a quarterly basis to monitor and review the Strategy, will ensure that it achieves its deliverables and remains focused on community needs.

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Existing services for people with a disability The Strategy builds on existing infrastructure, services and resources that are in place to assist people with a disability. The Library currently offers:

Wheelchair access and parking The accessible entrance is off Macquarie Street, opposite Hunter Street. There are lifts in the building and accessible toilets. Clients with a Mobility Parking sticker can use parking spaces at Shakespeare Place, on the corner of Macquarie Street and the Cahill Expressway, or pre-book a parking space in the Library’s underground car park, accessible via Hospital Road.

Adaptive technology Adaptive technology is available for library users with a disability to enable use of the Library's resources. The following technology is available for use:

Clearview: a video magnifier for people with low vision. It magnifies books, magazines and newspapers.

JAWS: screen reading software for people who are blind. It is used to access websites, databases and the computer catalogue. Due to the complexity of JAWS, prior knowledge is required. Training courses are available at Vision Australia.

Kurzweil 1000: a computer-based scanning system for people who are blind or have a reading disability. It scans and reads books, magazines and newspapers. It is suitable for people who have some computer literacy.

Microspeed Trackball Mouse: an alternative mouse for people who have problems with hand control.

Hearing loop installations Hearing loops have been installed in:

The Macquarie Street building (Metcalfe Auditorium, Ground Floor; Information desk, Governor Marie Bashir Reading Room Library, Lower Ground 1; Family history desk, Governor Marie Bashir Reading Room, Lower Ground 2; Glasshouse Learning Space, Lower Ground 1, Macquarie Room, Ground)

Mitchell Library building (Dixson Room, Ground Floor, Friends Room, Ground Floor, Gallery Room, Ground Floor).

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Talking books, large print books and ebooks The Library has a collection of talking books and large print books and a growing collection of ebooks. Collections of talking books, large print books and ebooks can be accessed via the library catalogue. E-resources across all subject areas can be accessed on any device from any location.

8 State Library of New South Wales Strategy and Action Plan to Support People with a Disability 2015

Developing the Strategy The 2015 Disability Strategy and Action Plan is informed by consultation with:

Internal stakeholders

Disability Advisory Group

Signage Committee

Website accessibility group

Adaptive Technology experts group

Library Services managers

All staff.

External stakeholder input

The Library periodically asks for feedback, in client surveys, from visitors who access services, view exhibitions and participate in events. A survey for clients and potential clients with disabilities was sent out in early December 2014 and closed on 5 January 2015.

An Accessibility Report of the State Library by Vision Access Consulting.

Initial consultation with members of the Accessing the Arts Group, a professional development group for people within cultural institutions who have responsibility for accessibility strategies (on-going).

The intention is to increase engagement with these groups to inform the 2016-2020 Strategy.

9 State Library of New South Wales Strategy and Action Plan to Support People with a Disability 2015

2015 Disability Action Plan

Priority area 1: physical access Objective Provide and adapt Library buildings and facilities and develop solutions to ensure that people with a disability do not experience discrimination as Library visitors or as staff, and have their particular needs for services and support acknowledged and met. Outcome Our buildings and facilities adapted and enabling effective and equitable access by people with a disability to all our buildings, services and programs.

Action Performance measure Person/s responsible

1.1 Install a hearing loop at the Request Desk on LG2 of State Reference Library

Hearing loop installed at the Reference Desk on LG2

Coordinator, Facilities

1.2 Install a hearing loop at Foyer Information Desk, Ground floor, Macquarie

Hearing loop installed at the Foyer Information Desk, Macquarie

Coordinator, Facilities

1.3 Hearing loop installed in the Gallery Room

Hearing loop installed in the Gallery Room

Coordinator, Facilities

1.4 Auslan interpreters at Library events and promoted through the Deaf Society of NSW, Ephpheta Centre, Accessible Arts, etc

Feasibility of captioning and interpreters for all events investigated PLA and PHA 2015 Library events have interpreters

Manager, Commercial Branch Manager, Media and Communications

1.5 Redesign the Library map to make it accessible and make it available on Curio

Accessible map available on the website, Curio and in all printed materials

Manager, Publications & Design Digital Channels Leader

1.6 Ensure tables in the Governor Marie Bashir Reading Room (GMBRR) and TRIM Café are accessible by people in a wheelchair

Two tables accessible in the GMBRR Two tables accessible at the TRIM Café

Coordinator, Facilities Coordinator, Client Services and Business Team Manager, Commercial Branch

Business as Usual

Ensure that all future building modifications, upgrades and refits comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA), Disability Discrimination Act and Australian Standards

All future refurbishments comply

Coordinator, Facilities

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Onsite exhibition design briefs highlight the disability provisions in the BCA

Exhibitions adhere to BCA standards including level floors and heights for display viewing

Manager, Exhibitions

Put in place and promote procedures that facilitate movement between the Library buildings of visitors with disabilities during exhibition gallery closures

Clear procedures in place and supported during gallery closures

Manager, Exhibitions Coordinator, Facilities All client facing staff

Install large wall signs that are easy to read as part of exhibitions

Design and install large wall stickers for exhibitions

Manager, Exhibitions

Exhibition audio available online as a transcript and videos captioned

Audio for future exhibitions available on the website and videos captioned before they go on the web

Manager, Exhibitions Digital Channels Leader

Signs are designed for people with low vision in mind using high contrast and minimum standard font size as recommended by Blind Society

Signs can be read by people with low vision

Manager, Publications & Design

Regularly review current building evacuation procedures and training to ensure that the needs of people with disabilities are addressed

Revised building evacuation procedures and training are shared on the Library intranet Fire wardens are trained to support the needs of people with disabilities in emergency situations

Coordinator, Facilities Manager, Security

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Priority area 2: promoting independence Objective Promote access to library and information services by people with a disability. Outcome Facilitating increased usage of the Library and NSW public library services by people with a disability. Inclusive practices in exhibitions, public programs and all services.

Action Performance measure Person/s responsible

2.1 Identify a location for computers for different needs users and create better signage for the adaptive technology location

Location identified for computers Clear signage installed Client-facing staff briefed on the location of adaptive technology

Manager, Information & Access

2.2 Adaptive technology for people from CALD and disability communities installed and promoted

Equipment installed, tested, working and being accessed Readit Wand to read aloud text in languages such as Japanese and Cantonese launched

Coordinator, Client Services & Business Teams Multicultural Consultant

2.3 Street signage indicates wheelchair and pram access

Signage outside the Mitchell Library updated

Manager, Publications & Design Manager, Facilities

2.4 Promote transcript of audio and captioned versions of videos that are available on the Curio app

Diary readings of Life Interrupted promoted

Digital Channels Leader Senior Curator, Research and Discovery

2.5 Publish TRIM Café menu on the website to assist those planning a visit

The standard café menu published on the website

Digital Channels Leader Manager, Commercial Branch

Business as usual

Accessibility symbols are on all Library guides and maps

Accessibility symbols on all guides and maps

Manager, Publications & Design

Maintain and update disability services messages on recorded messages for the Library

Recorded accessibility message is always up-to-date and consistent with website information

ICT Network & Service Desk Coordinator

Maintain and update disability services and access messages in all SLNSW publications,

Accessibility information is always up-to-date and consistent with website information

Manager, Publications & Design

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including the promotion of the Companion Card for events

Conduct periodic equipment tests e.g. of hearing loops to ensure they are working and provide prompt maintenance where required to restore equipment to working order

Accessibility equipment is in good working order

Coordinator, Facilities Manager, Commercial Branch

Update the Accessibility Guide to include locations of accessible toilets, lifts, ramps

Accessibility Guide available in hard copy and online

Manager, Publications & Design Coordinator, Client Services & Business Teams Coordinator, Projects & Policy

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Priority area 3: Staff awareness and understanding of the access requirements of people with a disability Objective Ensure that State Library staff are adequately trained to provide effective services. Outcome Staff are confident and competent in providing services to people with disabilities in a manner which acknowledges the rights of people with a disability.

Action Performance measure Person/s Responsible

3.1 Develop an accessibility checklist to incorporate into bookings procedures

Bookings procedures promoted internally and externally and integrated into standard practice

Manager, Commercial Branch Manager, Information & Access

3.2 Reading room staff and adaptive technology experts trained in the use of the adaptive technologies that are available in the Library

A small pool of key staff are trained in adaptive technology equipment and software

Manager, Information & Access

3.3 Client-facing staff familiar with parking and all other accessibility information for people with a disability who make onsite visits

Existing staff aware of the new Accessibility Guide All café staff trained

Learning & Organisational Development Lead Manager, Commercial Branch Manager, Information & Access Manager, Security

3.4 Volunteers aware of accessibility services e.g. adaptive technology and understand how to record incidents in the incident register

Volunteer training information updated Two information sessions held for volunteers with updated information

Coordinator, Volunteers Manager, Information & Access

Business as usual

Adapt training methodology and content to meet the changing needs of staff with disability, relevant anti-discrimination legislation and disability sector guidance

Staff training is reflective of the current needs of staff, current legislation and best practice from the disability sector

Learning & Organisational Development Lead

Ensure all managers, especially new managers who are convening recruitment panels, are trained in disability awareness and the

All managers practice the ‘reasonable adjustment’ principle during recruitment processes and display an understanding of

Manager, HR

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‘reasonable adjustment’ principal

accessibility issues

All new client-facing staff attend disability awareness training

New staff trained as part of their induction

Learning & Organisational Development Lead

Regularly update staff on accessibility initiatives and encourage staff feedback

Quarterly update on the staff intranet and at staff forums

Chair, Disability Advisory Group

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Priority area 4: Information about services Objective Provide information about State Library services in an accessible manner to all clients with a disability. Outcome Information about our services and programs is communicated in a variety of methods to accommodate the needs of a range of disabilities.

Action Performance measure Person/s Responsible

4.1 Design and implement the new State Library NSW website that is compliant with web and IT guidelines

Content conforms to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0 and can be readily updated from WCAG 1.0 to WCAG 2.0 Content WCAG 2.0 AA compliant

Manager, Digital Strategy & Innovation Digital Channels Leader

4.2 Promotion of existing technologies that may be of use for people with disabilities through disability sector and community networks

Hard copies of the Accessibility Guide mailed to disability sector in NSW Public Library news item

Manager, Media & Communications Public Library Services

4.3 Make the Library’s information on accessibility easy to find on the website

A designated page on the Library’s website that has up-to-date accessibility information

Digital Channels Leader

4.4 Give greater prominence on the SLNSW website to information for people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing e.g. using the National Relay service

Greater prominence of information on the website for people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing

Digital Channels Leader

Business as usual

Ensure accessibility information is included on the Library’s events page

Events page on the Library’s website includes up-to-date accessibility information

Digital Channels Leader Manager, Commercial Branch

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Priority area 5: Employment for people with a disability Objective Policy and practices meet the Library’s responsibilities as an equal opportunity employer, which comply with the requirements of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW), and the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cwlth), and which actively encourage employment, career opportunities and career progression for people with a disability. Outcome Measurable increases in the numbers of people with a disability employed in the Library and career progression of people with a disability comparable to other staff with similar knowledge, skills and experience.

Action Performance measure Responsibility

5.1 Develop a publication for people applying to the Library for employment, with information including anti-discrimination legislation

A candidate booklet that is accessible and in plain English and made available online and in hard copy

Manager, HR Manager, Publications & Design

5.2 Provide training for new people leaders on disability awareness and the reasonable adjustment principle

All people leaders trained in disability awareness and the reasonable adjustment principle

Manager, HR

5.3 Develop strategies to increase the participation rate of people with a disability in the Library’s workforce

Percentage of staff with a disability in the Library’s workforce increases

Manager, HR

Business as usual

Implement and review WHS risk assessment recommendations that are relevant to accessibility

Periodic monitoring and response to issues as they arise

Manager, HR Manager, Facilities & Security

Pro-active support for staff with a disability

Needs of staff with a disability requiring workplace adjustment are monitored and adjustments made based on feedback. Specific support and training provided to people leaders with a supervisory role for an employee with a disability

Manager, HR

Ensure the Library’s Library Recruitment Manager, Human

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recruitment and selection policy and procedures do not discriminate and comply with the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) and the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cwlth)

Policies promote diversity and absence of discrimination

Resources

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Priority area 6: services and programs Objective To provide and adapt State Library services and programs to ensure that they are accessible to people with a disability. Outcome Services and programs meet the requirements of the Disability Inclusion Act 2014 (NSW) and Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cwlth) and are responsive to client feedback.

Action Performance measure Person/s Responsible

6.1 Survey clients and non-clients with disabilities on their experiences of Library services and programs

At least one survey inviting clients to evaluate the Library’s accessibility

Coordinator, Projects & Policy Coordinator, Research

6.2 Purchase material for the State Library Collection which is in appropriate formats for people with a disability

Obtain advice, allocate funding and expend on appropriate lending material annually

Manager, Collection Strategy and Development

6.3 Provide on-going opportunities for people with a disability to provide feedback

Quality and quantity of feedback received and its impact on service delivery

Coordinator, Research

6.4 Ensure podcasts published on the website have a transcript

Podcasts published on the Library website have a transcript

Digital Channels Leader Manager, Exhibitions Manager, Research and Discovery

6.5 Develop partnerships with the Public Library Network, Accessing the Arts Group (ATAG), Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums (GLAM) sector and others to develop and promote the Library’s accessibility work

Initial identification of feasible partnerships for this work

Chair and members of the Disability Advisory Group Library Executive

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Approval This policy was approved in principal by the State Library Executive on 10 February 2015 and with amendments on 3 March 2015. Implementation This policy is a continuation of an existing strategy and as such, implementation is on-going from 1 January 2015. History This policy replaces the Disability Action Plan 2010 to 2014 to Strategy to Support People with a Disability 2010 to 2014. Related Policy This policy aligns with the State Library of NSW Strategic Plan and the Cultural Diversity Strategy 2012-2015. Prepared by Kara Beavis Coordinator, Projects & Policy, Library Services Consultation and development completed in December 2014 and January 2015 Document History and Version Control

Version Date approved Approved by Brief description

1.0 10 Feb 2015 State Library Executive

Approved in principal with amendments

2.0 3 March 2015

State Library Executive

Approved for implementation

Contact Kara Beavis Coordinator, Projects and Policy Chair, Disability Advisory Group Library Services Division Phone: 02 9273 1449 kara.beavis@sl.nsw.gov.au File No: 52679