Our Inclusive Digital Zones will help remove some of the barriers to digital technology that many people with disabilities face.
These innovative zones aim to enhance our library facilities, so they are more accessible to all members of the community - regardless of age, abilities, or digital literacy.
The zones are equipped with cutting-edge technology, including screen readers, magnification software, and speech recognition tools. They have been carefully designed to include features such as accessible seating and adjustable desks, as well as volunteer digital champions who can offer support to those who need help getting online.
The Inclusive Digital Zones have been made possible in partnership and consultation with the LBBD Sensory Team, The Royal National Institute of Blind People and the Good Things Foundation.
The opening times can be found on the table below, along with a range of free sessions you are welcome to come along to!
2 Town Square, Barking, IG11 7NB
Telephone: 02087248722
Email: libraries@lbbd.gov.uk
1 Church Elm Lane, Dagenham, RM10 9QS
Telephone: 0208724 3942
Email: libraries@lbbd.gov.uk
Booklets with large print and pictures showing equipment available to meet peoples’ needs. The booklets are also available in Braille.
Adaptable Equipment
The Optelec ClearReader+ portable image reader scans and reads aloud printed reading material.
| Group | Description | Day | Time | Location | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inclusive Digital Zone | Accessible computers and IT equipment plus adjustable furniture. Digital Champions to help |
Monday - Thursday Friday – Saturday Sunday |
9am – 7pm 9am – 5pm 10am – 4pm |
BLC (ground floor) | BLC: 020 8724 8725 / 8722 |
| Inclusive Digital Zone | Accessible computers and IT equipment plus adjustable furniture. Digital Champions to help |
Monday - Thursday Friday – Saturday |
9am – 7pm 9am – 5pm |
Dagenham Library (first floor) | Dagenham Library: 020 8227 3942 |
| Macular Society Support Group | Welcoming group for those with sight loss caused by macular disease | First Monday of every month | 10:30am - 12:30pm | BLC, Room G14 | Dean: 07812 999 648 |
| Audio Group | Friendly group for those with hearing loss | Third Wednesday of the month | 10am – 12pm | BLC, Meeting pod 2 (ground floor) | BLC: 020 8724 8725 / 8722 |
| Digital Ability Inclusion Drop-in |
For those with hearing loss, or sight loss, or both. Learn how to use accessibility tools and Apps on your mobile, tablet, or laptop with guidance from the sensory team. |
Second and fourth Thursday of every month |
10:30am -12:30pm | Dagenham Library, Meeting Room 3 (first floor) |
Bernadette Wakeling: 020 8227 3780 Text/video call: 07772 229 294 |
| Braille Buddies | Friendly Braille learning group | Every Friday, except the last Friday of the month | 10:30am – 12:30pm | Dagenham Library, Meeting Room 1 (first floor) | Abiola: 07983 552 855 |
| Vipers | For those with sight loss. Have fun, chat, organise events and outings and have tea/coffee | Last Friday of the month | 10:30am – 12:30pm | Dagenham Library |
Ray: 07846 917 419 Intake Team: 020 8227 2915 |
| Deaf and Hard of Hearing Drop-in Service | For those with hearing loss and need information, guidance, or advice | Online service only; please text or email first, please say if you want to meet face to face. | Online by email, video call, text, or telephone | Online |
Maryan Ahmed, Deaf Community Worker: 020 8227 5567 Text/Video/Voice: 07561 703 937 Email: maryan.ahmed2@lbbd.gov.uk |
| Inclusive Digital Zone Drop-In | Friendly sessions to learn digital skills | Wednesday | 10am - 2pm | BLC (ground floor) |
BLC: 020 8724 8725 / 8722 IDZ Friendly Sessions at BLC poster (PDF, 256.65 KB) |
If you're interested in more computer classes in our hubs please visit our Computer classes and digital courses page.
