Implementing Institutional Policies for Persons Living With Disabilities in Accessing Information Resources at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology Library

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