University of Tasmania, Australia

Students with disabilities have similar needs to all other students such as the need for information, access to IT facilities, assistance when things go wrong etc. Most of these needs can be met through the use of generic facilities such as the library and computer labs. The University is attempting to make these facilities as accessible as possible through improvements to physical access, installation of specialised software, improving procedures etc. Currently, within the Morris Miller and Law Libraries are computers with a range of specialist software installed. IT Resources is currently negotiating with Student Services and the Library to install similar software in Launceston.

However, a number of students need to access specialist facilities that are available on both main campuses. Student Services, in conjunction with IT Resources, manage the “Student Access Study Centres” (SASC). These centres house resources and specialised equipment in a fully accessible study environment. The Disabilities Adviser provides students, whose needs cannot be met through other generic facilities on campus, with an access card.

Software includes:

• JAWS - voice synthesis software for blind users; and
• ZoomText, screen magnification software for users with some useable vision.
• Dragon Naturally Speaking – dictation software for students who have difficulty using a keyboard
• Read and Write – Screen reader and grammar/spelling checking software primarily for students with Learning Disability.

There are a number of basic principles that Help Desk staff need to bear in mind to ensure that the needs of students with disabilities are met:

• You don’t have to be an expert about disabilities or the specialist software used
• Most of the needs that students with disabilities have are similar to other students - most SASC computers only have standard software/images installed
• The differences mainly relate to the use of specialist software - for these students problems need to resolved quickly as they are dependent on that particular machine
• Some students may have a hearing impairment or not be able to see the screen or dialogue boxes
• Ask the student what their IT needs are (they know most about their disability needs).

For more information contact Di Worth (Morris Miller Library) who can contact the Disability Advisers for specialist assistance.The latest document (V2.4) is now available on the N: drive (Lib-General -> Students with disabilities/Library Student Services assistance to SD 0404 V2.4.doc.

The main contact in the libraries for the Disability Advisors is the branch librarian (except Morris Miller where Scott Wylie undertakes this role).