Disability Services
Interview with Jacintha Silva By Andrea Hurt
Andrea
Welcome to the podcast for Disability Services at the University of Melbourne Library. Today we are talking with Jacintha, who is the Liaison Librarian for students with a disability.
Hi Jacintha
Jacintha
Hi Andrea
Andrea
What do I need to do to get help from the library?
Jacintha
If you are new to the university and would like to discuss your special needs, you can contact your library branch and they will assist you with accessing reading materials and if they are unable to help you they will put you in touch with me. The library works closely with the Disability Liaison Unit of the university, to provide the best possible access to library resources to students with special needs. If you have not already done so, please pay a visit to the university’s Disability Liaison Unit. At the DLU, they will assess your special needs, and register you as disabled student. Once registered with the DLU, you can access our special equipment, computers and software in our specially designed rooms.
Andrea
And how do I make an appointment to meet with you?
Jacintha
You can contact me on 8344 0058, or email silva@unimelb.edu.au or drop in on a Wednesday afternoon between 2.00-5.00pm. but please note a prior appointment will ensure you will see me on the day.
Andrea
And what services are available in the library for students with a disability?
Jacintha
We offer special one to one orientation tours, information literacy sessions, research consultations and study facilities including assistive technology. Disabled students are encouraged to attend the general information literacy programmes, use the general study spaces and computers if they wish to do so. However, special software tailored to suit the students’ requirements are available in the Assistive Technology rooms. They are screen reader, such as ‘JAWS’, magnification software ‘Magic’, voice recognition software ‘Dragon Dictate’, learning disability software ‘Wynn, Inspiration’. Printing is also possible from all these rooms.
We also have a Braille embosser, a CCTV, Braille reader and even a walker with a small basket for those who find browsing among shelves difficult. We also have a number of specially designed tables and chairs and other equipment for those with physical disabilities.
Andrea
So how do I book one of the rooms?
Jacintha
Rooms can be booked by ringing the library on 8344 0444. Staff at the telephone enquiry service will direct your call to the Information desk at the Baillieu Library. Also, it is possible for you to book a room for your next visit at the time you return room keys to the Information Desk. We do not take slab bookings as these rooms have to be shared among a large number of students.
Andrea
Well, is it possible to get someone to collect the books I require if I’m unable to get them myself?
Jacintha
If you need help in collecting a few books from the shelves, staff at the Loans or Information Desk will be able to help you. However you may need to wait if the desks are busy. If you are used to collecting a large number of books at a time, it is better to discuss the need with me as you may require the assistance of a support worker.
Andrea
If I need my reading material in an alternative format, is it possible to make a request?
Jacintha
There are many ways in which you can get reading material in alternative format. Disabled students usually discuss their special needs during their assessment prior to registration with the DLU. DLU Accessible Format Officer will work out the best possible method to suit the individual’s needs. Also, the Document Delivery Unit of the library can obtain material such as Braille and talking books held in other libraries.
Andrea
And are there facilities for students with a disability, in any of the other Melbourne University branch libraries?
Jacintha
All branches are capable of serving the general information needs of a disabled student. Baillieu library being the largest and also the most frequently used, has a number of assistive technology rooms as well as study rooms. Legal Resource Centre on Pelham Street, also has a single Assistive Technology room.
Andrea
And if I was in a wheelchair, are all the libraries accessible?
Jacintha
All libraries on campus are wheel chair accessible.
Andrea
Well Jacintha, is there anything else I should know?
Jacintha
Well, if you want to know more details please visit the library web site www.lib.unimelb.edu.au Under the Library Services link you will find “Users with a disability” and it will give you all the information you need
Andrea
Great! Now I can get started. Thanks a lot Jacintha.