Discover the World with Other Senses

Improving knowledge in the library system of how to serve people with sight disabilities.

The Local Challenge

Liepaja Central Scientific Library (LCSL) is a public library in the Liepaja municipality. It provides the biggest network of information, cultural and lifelong learning centres in the region. In July 2023, the Dienvidrietumu Library, a specialist library for visually impaired people, joined this network with its own specific knowledge, experience and a community of library readers. Librarians from other branches of LCSL have limited knowledge, experience and equipment to work with people with print disabilities. To address this situation,he Liepaja Society for the Blind group is developing skills across this library network. 

 

 The Initiative  

The project partners plan are collaborating with school speech therapists, city social workers and students of the social work programmes at the local universities to learn how to serve people with print disabilities (people with visual impairments or low vision as well as reading or other physical disabilities). In addition, they see general society has a limited awareness about the needs of people with print disabilities and the broad spectrum of disabilities relating to low vision. They are expanding general knowledge on this through the libraries as well as encouraging visitors with print disabilities to attend the other library spaces.  

 

What’s Next?

The project partners want to improve the nature of services as a trusted local institution, and create an example for their community that shows embracing diversity is beneficial for everyone. They want to showcase that libraries can be safe spaces that provide the necessary tools and services to access information for everybody, regardless of their age, income level or physical ability. 

 

This is an ongoing Europe Challenge project that will be completed in autumn 2024. Stay tuned for more updates and contact theeuropechallenge@culturalfoundation.eu if you have any questions or want to be connected with the team behind the project.

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