A total of 27 mini-libraries for visually impaired residents will be set up across rural areas of the Western Cape. The launch of these facilities is a continuation of the department for Cultural Affairs and Sports’ efforts to ensure inclusivity across the province.
This initiative comes after the Provincial Minister, Anroux Marais, outlined the importance of setting up new mini-libraries for the visually impaired. The first mini-library was launched in Riversdale in April 2021, and provides many beneficial resources to visually impaired residents of the community.
The library also allows for those who have dyslexia, other disabilities, or limited literacy skills to access resources in formats that make it easier for them to benefit and enjoy literature content. Furthermore, the Riversdale library team also supports outreach by helping old age homes, schools and organisations for the disabled to access the audiobooks and resources.
In a statement by the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) spokesperson on Cultural Affairs and Sport in the province, Reagen Allen, the establishment of these mini-libraries is a great asset to rural communities and contributes to inclusive development for all residents, regardless of their disability or otherwise.
“Libraries play an important part in society, and it is encouraging to see the provincial department committed to working for those who have previously found it difficult to access resources because of their disability,” Allen said.
Meanwhile, these mini-libraries will offer screen reading software, as well as reading-assistive technology.
Picture: Cape Town Etc gallery