Increasing access to public libraries for children with special needs and their families

摘要

The Adelaide Hills Council Library Service has introduced a story time session for children with special needs and their families. This article highlights the reasons why the Adelaide Hills Council Libraries took this step as part of a greater concern for access to public libraries for children with special needs and their families. The article details the process involved in the development and implementation of the program. A description of the program, its goals and the benefits realised are outlined. The article raises the issue that access to public libraries for people with disabilities is predominantly focused on adults with physical and sensory disabilities. Understanding and awareness of the access issues to public libraries for children with special needs and their families need further research.