Accessibility - sponsored by Universal Design Newsletter
Online Disability Experts Database Help With Compliance For Disability Access
From PublicTechnology.net
Posted Mar 22, 2005
http://www.publictechnology.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=2642
A new online tool to help organizations meet their disability access needs is launched yesterday by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA). Providing online access to a database of over 200 disability trainers, auditors and consultants who have an interest or experience in working with museums, galleries, libraries and archives, Disability Experts is the first database of its kind in the cultural sector – and the latest step towards reducing access barriers in our heritage organizations.
The database is rich in information to help heritage organizations find support and advice on all disability issues; available at the touch of a button. The listings service gives contact information for the disability experts as well as details of professional experience, type of work undertaken and previous experience. The database can be searched by keyword, region, organization and project type.
Marcus Weisen, MLA Health and Disability Adviser, said: “Disability Experts marries the needs of heritage organizations with the expertise of disability access specialists in their area. If you want to find a deaf awareness trainer or disability equality trainer who works close to your institution, or to prepare a list of access auditors and consultants for your audit tendering process, Disability Experts answers all such questions.
“Staff training and access audits are among the most effective ways for museums, libraries and archives to develop equal access for disabled people. They are also an effective way of meeting the ‘anticipatory duties under the Disability Discrimination Act (1985)’. Disability Experts is a listings service that makes it easier for heritage institutions to reach this goal.”
Disability Experts builds on MLA’s award winning Disability Portfolio, which gives invaluable guidance and practical advice on how to overcome barriers and follow good practice. The 12 part series describes best practice standards in selecting consultants – including clarity of brief, tendering process and interview process.