Library Access for Visually Impaired Students

Abstract

Individuals with visual impairments share the same information requirements as those with sight. Just as sighted individuals might peruse a newspaper, enjoy music from a CD, or retrieve digital content from the web, visually impaired individuals also seek access to pertinent information in formats accessible to them. Establishing a well-functioning library service for those with print disabilities holds exceptional significance due to the notably limited availability of commercially adapted books compared to the abundance of printed material available to the general public. Libraries bear a moral responsibility to provide information inclusively, irrespective of gender, age, ethnicity, political stance, or disability. Previously, library services for this demographic were inadequate. However, the recognition of the importance of rendering information accessible to visually impaired individuals has grown across various segments. Libraries assume a pivotal role in society, offering resources and services that foster learning, bolster literacy and education, and contribute to the formation of novel ideas and viewpoints, crucial for a creative and forward-thinking society. Libraries hold diverse meanings for various individuals - from a space where parents can introduce young ones to their inaugural stories and students can study, to a service enabling anyone to borrow literature, utilize the internet, or conduct research. In essence, libraries provide a gateway to knowledge. © 2023 IEEE.