Introduction

The library at ITT Dublin is committed to supporting students with disabilities including dyslexia. A range of facilities and services are available in the library. The provision of these resources aims to ensure equal access to information and provide any special support that may be required.

 

Accessing the library at ITT Dublin

• Entrance to the library is on the ground floor to left of main Institute entrance.
• A lift located behind the main stairs in the reception area provides access to the first floor of the library.
• Accessible toilets are located outside the library near the main stairwell.

 

 

 

 

Staff support

Philip Russell is the librarian with special responsibility for providing one-to-one help & training within the library for students with disabilities and dyslexia.
Deputy Librarian: Philip Russell Ext 2202
E-mail: philip.russell@ittdublin.ie

Garry Toner, Disability Officer can advise all students with disabilities on the facilities and services that the Institute provides.
Disability Officer: Garry Toner Ext 2606
E-mail: garry.toner@ittdublin.ie

Library Facilities

Height adjustable desk on the ground floor.

Library guides to services can be made available on request in large print.

Orientation tours of the library can be arranged by contacting library staff.

Assistance with book retrieval.

There are flexible borrowing entitlements for students with disabilities - please ask at main library desk.

A self service machine located on the ground floor of the library allows you to check out and return books.

Photocopiers are located on the ground floor of the library, with an enlarging function to benefit visually impaired / dyslexic students. A low-level printer has also been provided. For further support please contact Reprographics (ext. 2394)

A low-level OPAC station on ground floor enables wheelchair users to search the online library catalogue.

 

Learning support software and Read and Write Gold tutorial

All computers in the library now carry the learning support software Read and Write Gold. This software is an invaluable resource for a variety of students who may have difficulties with reading and writing, be it because of specific learning difficulty (such as dyslexia) or because they have a foreign native language.

Read and Write Gold appears as a toolbar across your computer screens with a variety of functions that can quickly and easily assist the user with everyday tasks. There is an intelligent integrated spellchecker, a text prediction function, a customisable dictionary, a function that allows users to choose between homophones and a screen masking tool that can be very helpful to students with specific learning difficulties who find text easier to read under certain conditions.

Below is a tutorial on how to use these reading and writing support tools:
Read & Write Gold Tutorial

 

Emergency Procedures / Fire

• Please familiarise yourself with the exits and emergency fire exits in the library.
• The fire alarm is a continuous bell.
• If the alarm sounds you should evacuate the building immediately and go to your nearest assembly point outside the building.
• There are no visual alarms.

Useful Websites	Description	Link
Gateway	a project aimed at encouraging and facilitating the use of assistive technologies by people with disabilities.	http://www.gateway2at.org
AHEAD	Association for Higher Education Access and Disability (AHEAD)	http://www.ahead.ie/
CAST	not-for-profit organisation that uses technology to expand opportunities for all people	http://www.cast.org
EASI	Online Training on Accessible Information Technology for Persons with Disabilities	http://www.rit.edu/easi/
Enable Ireland	provides support for people with disabilities and their families	http://www.enableireland.ie/
AbilityNET	the UK’s leading provider of expertise on assistive technology	http://www.abilitynet.org.uk/
Dyslexia Association	aims to promote awareness of Dyslexia.	http://www.dyslexia.ie/adult.htm
Microsoft accessibility homepage	advertises technology that is usable and accessible to everyone	http://www.microsoft.com/enable/