Abstract:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the implementation strategies and institutional policies that
guide information provision and access for persons living with disabilities at Dedan Kimathi
University of Technology library. The objectives of the study were to examine the existing
policies, determine the level of awareness of library staff on provision of services to persons with
disabilities, assess availability of information resources for persons living with disabilities and
recommend policy implementation strategies for information access. The research utilized both
quantitative and qualitative survey research design with qualitative taking a big part of the study.
The study targeted a population of 57 respondents, 23 were persons with disabilities both
students and staff at DeKUT, 12 disability mainstreaming committee members, and 22 library
staff members. Census and non-probability1sampling strategies were used to select1the sample
size. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the population sample needed for the
study. Data and information were collected using questionnaires and document analysis.
Descriptive1statistics, such as frequencies and percentages, were used to examine the acquired
data. The data was compiled using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The
emergent primary themes in qualitative data were identified through content and narrative
analysis. The study revealed that Dedan Kimathi University has made significant progress in
addressing the learning welfare of students with disabilities. The university had laid policy
promotion strategies that propagated full realization of the human rights. These includes taking
measures to1protect, promote and1fulfill their rights in diverse1areas such as equal1recognition
in learning process, participation in university actives such as student’s leadership and
appointments and that the existing policies were fairly effective in address information access for
persons living with disabilities. In view of raising awareness, the university management has recognized formation of students and staff associations, the university recognized disability
mentoring day, and organized training workshops and public lectures. The study concludes that
management on Dedan Kimathi University had made significant steps in ensuring availability of
information access resources for persons with disabilities, however the University library did not
offer specialized searches on online resources. The library lacks proper furniture that caters for
physically challenged, the library is not fully prepared to offer e-resources to visually impaired
students, there are no special rooms and customized information access to those with disabilities,
sign language interpreter was also lacking and that the library did not have devices that could
assist persons living with disability. In order to promote effective service provision, access to
information and knowledge for persons with disabilities at Dedan Kimathi University, the
following measures must be implemented. The present policy should be reviewed in order to
optimize the contributions of disabled employees and students, make it easier for PWDs to use
university facilities and services especially in accessing information resources and ensure that
PWDs' requirements are met in the discharge of human resource functions and management in
work and studies. The university should ensure that a well-equipped resource center is
established to meet the demands of PWDs