INSIGHT


‘‘ Disability Network Improving our understanding I


F you work in the healthcare sector, you may be aware of the introduction of the requirement for learning disability and autism training by the Health and Care Act 2022. [Oliver McGowan draft code of practice on statutory learning disability and autism training – GOV.UK (https://bit.ly/3NN66Sc)] Every person with a learning disability and every autistic person has the right to excellent care and service from wherever they choose to access it. Services must treat people equitably, but should also acknowledge and adapt to the individual needs of people with a learning disability and autistic people.


The fact that this training is mandatory is very much welcomed. However, a general understanding of the needs of autistic and neurodivergent adults in the wider population and in libraries in particular, I would suggest, is scant. As a network, queries about neurodivergence and autism friendly libraries are constantly coming our way. CILIP Scotland is doing great work in this area as part of their wider EDI offer www.cilips.org.uk/accessibility-and- neurodiversity. In this presentation from CILIPS#22 Tanya Milligan from Falkirk Libraries shares invaluable insights into how libraries can create inclusive spaces for autistic staff and users that benefit all. Autism Inclusion in Libraries session www. youtube.com/watch?v=S4qXqWNtX20. Elsewhere, Dimensions UK offers free training in making your library autism friendly https://bit.ly/3XJHkqG.


But, how to we ensure that our library services are inclusive? I believe that allyship is the key, as well as understanding the lived experiences of library staff. At Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, we have launched a Living Library, alongside Ashford and St Peter’s NHS Trust Living Library (https://bit.ly/46JR20k).


22 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL


This is an exciting initiative for us, which I know many colleagues have successfully run – for example Morag Evans at Dorset county Library https:// dchlibrary.com/2022/05/19/reflections-on-running- a-living-library/


Our Living Library initiative is based on the “Human Library” which is a copyrighted concept, originating in Denmark https://humanlibrary.org/. At Croydon NHS Trust, we hope to reduce stigma and increase understanding of disability, mental health and other events or experiences that may cause staff to feel marginalised e.g. race, sexual orientation, religion, general life events or past experiences.


The purpose of the Croydon Health Services Living Library is to enable staff members’ lived experiences to be shared via face-to-face chats, online chats, by accessing a pre-recorded video or by reading an anonymised transcript. Staff put themselves forward to be “books” on specific topics that can be “borrowed” by colleagues in order to learn more about that specific topic via the lived experience of the staff member. Our CHS “books” are currently only on our Trust intranet. This Living Library collection will form the basis of a Croydon Health Services knowledge network and a repository of shared experience and connection. We hope initiatives such as this will increase allyship, e.g. helping or supporting other people who are part of a group that is treated badly or unfairly, although you are not yourself a member. Both Ishbel Davis ishbel.davis@nhs.net at Ashford & St Peter’s NHS Foundation Trust and I (morag.clarkson1@nhs.net) would love to extend an invitation to CILIP members to join our living libraries. Do get in touch if you are interested.


New co-Chair


Someone who is passionate about allyship, is Carol Smith who is stepping


Morag Clarkson and Carol Smith are Co-Chairs of the CILIP Disability Network.


Every person with a learning disability and every autistic person has the right to excellent care and service from wherever they choose to access it.


up as our new co-Chair. Carol has been a member of the committee for some time, and we are delighted to see her in her new role.


Carol is Library Services and Knowledge Manager and Unison Equality Officer, Bedford NHS Trust. She has recently promoted allyship at her Trust, and is a proud ally of her organisation’s BAME Network. The NHS Allyship team defines an Ally as “any person that actively promotes and aspires to advance the culture of inclusion through intentional positive and conscious efforts that benefit people as a whole. Carol adds, “My wonderful family are Global: Swedish, Nigerian, Sri Lankan, Thai, German, Indian and English. We are Buddhists, Hindus and Humanists and are proud of our Global Heritage.” IP


July-August 2023


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