Inclusive Digital Zones

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!

Scan the code or click on the link to listen to the introduction of our inclusive options

 IDZ-Promo.mp3 - Google Drive

Come and see this service in the zones at 

Barking Learning Centre 

2 Town Square, Barking, IG11 7NB
Telephone: 02087248722
Email: libraries@lbbd.gov.uk

Dagenham Library 

1 Church Elm Lane, Dagenham, RM10 9QS 
Telephone: 0208724 3942
Email: libraries@lbbd.gov.uk

 

Inclusive Software

  • JAWS – Screen Reader 
  • ZoomText – Screen Magnifier/Reader 
  • Azabat – Touch Typing Tutor with Audio Instruction 
  • Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint Presentation

Equipment to support individual needs

Booklets

Booklets with large print and pictures showing equipment available to meet peoples’ needs. The booklets are also available in Braille.

Fanned out booklets on a green tableAdaptable Equipment 

Portable image reader

The Optelec ClearReader+ portable image reader scans and reads aloud printed reading material.

  • Simple adjustment controls for play, pause, forward, back, reading speed, volume and voice selection. 
  • Compact and easy to carry with a built-in carrying handle. 
  • Built-in high quality stereo sound speakers or connect a headset and listen discreetly. 

 

Four images of the portable image reader, two are close ups on the device and two are showing how to use it by putting your book under the device

Inclusive services in the libraries

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

Email: bernadette.wakeling@lbbd.gov.uk

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)

Basic Computer Classes (for beginners)

If you're interested in more computer classes in our hubs please visit our Computer classes and digital courses page.

Image

Two elderly people are sitting at a computer under an Inclusive Digital Zone sign and a man is standing next to them explaining how to use the computer