| dc.description.abstract | Advances in Information and Community Technology (ICT) have resulted in providing access to information for all users, irrespective of their ability. This is basically a requirement for all libraries and information centers. While most people recognize that the world we live in is more and more permeated by information and communication products and services, not everyone realizes the impact this has on our ability, as individuals, to be fully enabled citizens. It is worth mentioning that it is not the people's "disability" that makes it impossible for them to use certain technologies rather the developers of such products and services which do not take into account the notion that people are individuals, with differing abilities and preferences. This paper describes services that have been developed by the Kenya National Library Services (KNLS) in using ICT to enable persons with disabilities gain access to information. Particular reference is focused on the Nakuru Branch Library in conjunction with the KNLS headquarters. Services range from the talking books for the blind, use of sign language communication for the deaf people, building of ramps for the physically challenged, personalized assistance for psychiatric cases. This paper identifies the barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from taking advantage of the wealth of opportunities that are available through ICT. The paper concludes that a holistic approach should be adapted, by the KNLS board in recognizing and tackling all of the barriers so as to help persons with disabilities take advantage of ICT as a force for social inclusion. | en_US |
