COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, September 09, 2019

MOTION NO. 1

MOTION: Councillor V. Casserly

To call on the Chief Executive to replicate and produce appropriate signage for our Libraries in support of Autism Friendly Initiatives.

(Please see an example attached as used in libraries in the UK)

REPORT:

"South Dublin Council Libraries strives to meet the needs of a diverse range of individuals and communities, facilitating inclusion and participation by all. Initiatives in our branch libraries have included motivaltional talks by 'AsIAm' founder and CEO Adam Harris; a social story collage of the library to introduce reluctant users to our library services; sensory hours in the library, where lights are dimmed, RFID machines turned off and computers used in silent mode, so that people with sensory difficulties can enjoy the library experience more. We have introduced Toys, Technology and Training on a pilot basis in the County Library and we hope to expand this service to the branch network. The project consists of a selection of specialised toys and other resources, designed to support adults and children with learning disabilities and other significant needs.

The experience and training underlying the UK example will be researched. However, it should be noted that signage related to specific needs can potentially impact on  the core message that we offer libray services to a diverse range of individuals and communities, such as immigrants, older people, brain acquired injuries, dementia and more. The focus of our service is that the library is open, inclusive and free to all to participate in its services and programmes".