Launch of Sensory wall and sensory equipment

dlr Libraries availed of DAF (Dormant Accounts Funding) during 2020, managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development. This fund was made available to library authorities, targeted at marginalised, socially excluded and disadvantaged communities, it also provided for a Digital Equity and Social Inclusion Programme to purchase modern equipment in public libraries, specifically for those with sensory needs and autism. A separate funding stream was provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development to support the provision of Sensory Facilities and Equipment and associated upgrades to facilities. 

This funding enabled the installation of a sensory wall in Deansgrange library, along with a movable sensory trolley. As part of this funding we also installed outdoor sensory friendly seating and sensory friendly planting in Shankill, Dundrum, Cabinteely and Dalkey Libraries, as well as improved signage in Blackrock Library. 

dlr Libraries applied for and have been successful in securing more DAF funding during 2021. This funding will help purchase more sensory equipment for our libraries, more autism specific book stock to add to our existing collection and more autism friendly signage for library branches. 

Background: During 2018 dlr Libraries set up a working group of committed staff hoping to improve services for those on the autism spectrum along with their families, carers and teachers. Since then we have introduced a range of autism-friendly measures including; quiet evenings in Cabinteely and Dundrum libraries, a sensory/quiet room in Deansgrange library, sensory boxes available in each library, social stories created for each library on the libraries’ website. We launched an Autism lending collection booklet in October 2019, of recommended toys, technology and a reading list. Anyone living or working in dlr can avail of this collection to help support those with autism We would like to thank Creative Ireland for their funding support with the lending collection. dlr Libraries also host a range of autism-friendly, and autism specific events throughout the year.  

Read more about our accessible services here on dlr Libraries website. 

Find out about all events for dlr Festival of Inclusion 2021: “Going forward together” here.

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