You have requested a page that has been archived. It has been left at this URL to ensure the persistence of links that have been made to it from other resources. It may contain broken links and out-of-date information.


Special Needs Computer Club

Anne-Maree Dyer describes an exciting initiative at Rockampton Municipal Library Service's Special Activity and Toy Library

The Special Needs Computer Club operates as part of the Rockhampton Municipal Library Service's Special Activity and Toy Library. Housed in the North Rockhampton Library, the Special Needs Computer Club has been providing an innovative service for people with special needs for the past four years. A range of computers are available to facilitate literacy, numeracy and computer skills, with appropriate switches, screens and software to allow access by people with differing physical capabilities. Features of the Special Needs Computer Club are the provision of one-to-one tutoring and the nurturing of independent skills which have greatly enhanced the service.

The Special Needs Computer Club began as an extension of the Toy Library Service. This service has been utilised extensively by children and adults with special needs since its inception in 1982. The advent of technological innovations promised exciting changes both in the provision of resources and services to people with special needs and it was decided that the Toy Library should move in this direction as well.

A questionnaire was devised canvassing local opinion for a Special Needs Computer Club. The extremely favourable response indicated strong community support for such a project. Consultation with government agencies, community groups and members of the public was initiated following a successful public meeting foreshadowing the formation of a Special Needs Computer Club. Organisation of the Computer Club fell under the banner of the Toy Library Committee of Management. This group met, and still meets on a regular basis, to provide support and advice on the affairs, property and funds of the Toy Library and the Special Needs Computer Club.

Government agencies and community organisations supported the emerging Computer Club with the donation of computers and printers. The North Rockhampton Rotary Club donated an ACORN/BBC 3000 Special Access Computer featuring a touchscreen Universal Icon Board and colour printer. The Intellectual Disabilities Services (IDS) supplied two computers: an Apple with special switches to facilitate easier access for people with special needs and a colour printer, as well as another ACORN/BBC computer. A range of software was also provided with this hardware. The Library purchased an IBM computer with CD-ROM and printer, as well as a range of appropriate software.

Computer literate members of the community provided invaluable assistance with the physical complexities of the hardware and software and demonstrated their usage to both staff and clients. Representatives from the ACORN/BBC Company conducted workshops for participants, parents and staff, advising them of the range of programs and equipment for clients with special needs.

Students from the then Capricornia Institute of Advanced Education (now Central Queensland University) were employed using Toy Library funds to offer a tutoring service to clients utilising the Special Needs Computer Club. This proved unwieldy in practice with clients easily distracted by other users in the Toy Library. A satisfying resolution now involves a carer accompanying a client to the Toy Library where a tutor provides one-to-one tutoring in the Special Needs Computer Club area.

The Special Needs Computer Club now caters for 14 clients on a one-to-one basis, with a lengthy waiting list for participants. There are 100 software titles with very popular programs, including Circus Maths and Amazing Ollie. Unfortunately some of the computers are becoming obsolete, necessitating a drive for funding.

The Special Needs Computer Club has had an important role in facilitating changes for people with special needs. One client has been utilising the service for the past 12 months. Initially the client had no computer skills, and was accompanied on each trip to the library by a carer. The client now independently commutes to the library, which is the sole activity undertaken by the client on an independent basis. The client is now conversant with a number of computer programs. A rapport has been developed between the client and the library staff, with staff also offering assistance in the selection of general library resources which the client now borrows.

A client who has accessed the Special Needs Computer Club for the past two years was computer illiterate, and had minimum literacy skills. Now an independent consumer, the client is able to access the On-line Public Access Catalogues to locate resources in the general collections of the Library Service.

Another client who has gained immeasurably from the Special Needs Computer Club came to the library through a work rehabilitation program. Suffering from a work injury, the client was encouraged to explore alternative work options. Computer illiteracy created a barrier for the client, who chose a self-instructional mode of study to explore the opportunities presented by the computer. Assisted by a spouse, the client was able to undertake a self-tutored orientation of the computer which was completed in six months. The Special Needs Computer Club area proved ideal in the familiarisation process, which was independent and self-directed for this individual. A range of people with special needs have utilised the service in new and innovative ways.

The Special Needs Computer Club is wheelchair accessible at the Northside Library, with a disabled parking bay situated at the front of the library. It operates during normal Toy Library opening hours, and at other times by arrangement. The Toy Library Coordinator facilitates a booking service for the club.

Participants gain a lot more than merely walking through the doors of the Toy Library. The one-to-one tuition encourages the development of literacy, numeracy and computer skills. Clients also reap benefits from integration in a community-based organisation. Many of the clients have become regular borrowers of the library service. Staff respond and encourage involvement with clients, promoting a channel of communication. And, finally, the Special Needs Computer Club is providing clients with a focus outside their normal social and working environment. The Special Needs Computer Club stimulates and encourages interactive learning.

Although the Computer Club is only a small part of the Rockhampton Municipal Library Service, it is an integral service for people of all ages with special needs. Electronic resources are becoming an increasingly common aspect of daily life and, with guidance and tuition, many people with special needs are able to reap the benefits from the exciting challenge of this service.


Return to Contents

Go to National Library of Australia home page

NATIONAL LIBRARY OF AUSTRALIA, Canberra, ACT 2600, AUSTRALIA, ABN: 28 346 858 075
Telephone + 61 2 6262 1111; Facsimile +61 2 6257 1703; TTY: 1800 026 372