Vision Panel
The aim of the Vision Panel, as stated in its constitution, is to assist the Executive Committee of the Library and Information Services Council for Northern Ireland (LISC NI) in seeking to achieve the highest standards of library and information services for people in Northern Ireland who are blind or who experience sight loss or other related disabilities.
In furtherance of this aim, the Panels objectives are:
- to provide a forum for service providers both within and without Northern Ireland who service the library and information needs of the Panel’s client groups.
- to provide a collective voice for such providers and users on matters relevant to the Panel’s aim
- to encourage and initiate activities and the interchange of ideas which aim to improve the quality and availability of library and information services for the Panel’s client groups.
- to provide guidance to LISC on issues related to sight loss.
Panel members come from the library and information sector across Northern Ireland, both statutory and voluntary, and from organisations based in Great Britain which serve vision-impaired users in Northern Ireland.
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Since its inception in 2003 the Vision Panel has:
- produced and distributed the Northern Ireland version of “Carry on Reading”, an information leaflet for people with sight loss about accessing reading.
Carry on Reading.pdf
- promoted the Revealweb database of books and information in alternative formats
- contributed to the planning of the new Lisburn City library regarding good access for people with vision impairment
- nominated a representative to the PRONI access group
- contributed to DCAL consultation on Framework for Change
- invited a user representative onto the panel
The Panel is currently:
- planning training for front line library staff in ensuring first class service for blind and vision impaired people
- collecting best practice examples for new libraries and library renovations
- encouraging accessible IT in libraries
There are 17 organisations represented on the Panel including the five Public Library services; Public Record Office of Northern Ireland; the Linen Hall. |
