Facilitating access to one and all: report of a project carried out at UWE, Bristol to facilitate access to learning resources for students and staff with disabilities

Abstract

This article is based on a research project, code named “FACE”, carried out in the Library at the University of the West of England during 1998 and 1999. It raises issues regarding accessibility of learning and teaching resources, advice and support for disabled students and staff. Development of the Library’s resources in response to student surveys and reference to other literature in the field is recounted. Whilst the project focussed on a selection of technologies to aid “accessibility” it is noted that the most important feature in provision of accessible learning materials and support is strong institutional commitment and a good human infrastructure. The article concludes with a series of recommendations which can be more broadly applied in other organisations.