Bloody Library

[needmorecoffee]

Took dd (severe CP and visual imapirment) to toddlers reading time at the library and explained to the woman that dd is almost blind,needs to be near the front and could she be shown each picture rather than that quick whoosh past.
But no, apparently it would be unfair on the other kids. Doesn't matter if its unfair on dd of course.
sigh

stupid cow. complaint time called for I think.

Thats crap. What a stupid woman.

I would have thought that all activities hosted by the Library are subject to the Local Authority's policies on inclusion and accessibility.
Can you face complaining about the way you and dd were treated? The woman sounds completely out of order.

I am really not a one to be insulting/calling people cows, but I just think it's appalling that she sounds to have been unprepared to make any adaptations for your D.

You explained reasonably and she chose to disregard your information! I would say go above her!

have to say our local library is brilliant when my ASD son is being very "vocal" or behaving in an "inapproprate" way. He is helped, encouraged and communicated with by the staff.

Our children have the right to access public facilities.

I should have spoken up. I'm such a wimp sometimes,especially when all the 'norm' mums were still reeling in horror at dd (maybe slight exageration but you know those 'try not to look' expressions...)
Will toddle down later and have a word.
Poor dd was very grumbly as she couldn't see the book and didn't enjoy it much.

Very bad, would have a word. Terrible, and I'm a librarian!!!

Oh FGS. HOW on earth would it be unfair on the other kids. I used to get this all the time when ds1 was in mainstream school. NO allowances could be made for his disability as it wouldn't be fair on the others. So he was able to access a big fat zero of anything.

Agree with tibni. Our local library staff are welcoming to all children and unobtrusively ensure inclusion for all visitors
How unlucky you were and how upsetting that other parents were also so rude
Was this storyteller a regular member of staff, surely not
Do complain and let us know how you get on
I'm a librarian and we take a great deal of time and trouble to ensure that our services are accessible to all users, and tailored where necessary, without making a great big deal out of it

that's awful needmorecoffee! I work in a library too and we often come across both children and adults with special needs who, as Marina says, are accommodated without fuss.

(slightly off-subject but I was delighted to see when I started there that we have a good-sized autism collection accessible to all )

How hard would it have been for them to take a tiny bit more time for your dd's sake for goodness sakes. I think the other children would have liked to look at the pictures for a bit longer as well. This seems more a case of the woman not wanting to be bothered.

needmorecoffee

Am sorry to read that you and your DD had a bad experience at the library.

Think you encountered an uncaring jobsworth - do complain to the library in question WOuld be interested to hear their response.

and very

Definitely go above her and make a complaint.

I would have asked the other mothers if they minded when she said that. Evil c*w.

That's awful . Def complain: there may be other kids in similar circs who would benefit as well.

Miaou, do you know the specialist GP in your area working on support for families with ASD by any chance? I am wondering if the presence of that good collection of material is linked to her work

There's been a heated debate going on for some time about rubbish libraries and VI children on the PVIC yahoo group - seems to be a recurring theme. They're here groups.yahoo.com/group/PVIC/ if you're interested in joining

and

Would it have killed her to go a little more slowly? Grrrr!

I'm angry for you nmc, stupid woman. Let us know if you complain.

I will. I wasn't going too as dd1 thinks that making a fuss is 'attention seeking' or making disabled children 'different' but if I don't advocate for her, then who will?

It's about time the "general public" learned how to integrate themselves with everyone, including those with extra special needs - there are no excuses - the parents/carers of those with sn do our utmost to have the courage to face the world with our children, and for our children to enjoy being accepted by everyone in the mainstream environment, and the response of nt people can be exasperating. What is the matter with everybody?

There! I feel better now.

Unfair on the other chidren?When I was a children's librarian I used to have the book facing the children all the time & I'd read the words upside down, they all wanted to get a good look at the pictures & they'd point out things & talk about them. One of the skills of story-reading is involving the children & knowing how to incorporate their comments into the story so they have their say, but you keep the story moving.

It's also quite handy being able to read upside down in later life - especially if you're long-sighted like me & can read stuff on someone's desk in an interview...

I think you should write to the Head of the Library Service with a copy to the Council Equality and Access Officer. Sounds like there is a training need which needs addressing.

NMc - I work for your council. had a look at work today and found out details of complaints to the library (saw this yesterday, but didn't have time to post).

this link has phone and email details on for them

If they don't sort it out/apologise properly you can contact head of servicecontact details here

Am leaving post for you on meet up thread about car as well.

That is absolutely bloody outrageous.
So angry on your behalf.
Stupid stupid cow.