By Dana Datu, News Reporter
This week, University of Bristol libraries are marking Neurodiversity Week. Running March 16 to 22, the worldwide initiative aims to ‘understand, value, and celebrate the talents of neurodiverse minds.’
Students and staff will be able to find a range of personal support, helpful information, friendly initiatives, and more across the University of Bristol.
Epigram spoke to Mia Smith, Library Engagement Supervisor, who said the week aims to spread awareness about how the library team can support neurodiverse students.
She promoted the libraries’ height-adjustable desks, software that converts short documents into accessible formats such as audio and braille, special keyboards that can type in large font, ear defenders, text-to-speech mechanisms, and so much more.
Smith cited research from Durham University which says ‘less than 40 per cent of autistic students successfully complete their studies’ due to mental health difficulties and challenges with social and academic functioning.
Detailed leaflets, posters, and bookmarks covering disability support, neurodivergence, and book recommendations which can be found in several university libraries, including Will’s Memorial, Queens Building, Medical, and the ASS.
‘At university it can feel like a box-ticking thing where the university is like: ‘Yeah, we care about student well-being and diversity,’ but they don’t actually do that in practice.’
‘But definitely in the library, we do that all year round.’
Library Support Staff also have drop-in sessions from 1-3 pm for students to receive specialised support, as this varies from person to person.
Smith said she was most excited about the no-distraction study rooms in the upper levels of the ASS, designed for those who believe they will benefit from a quieter environment compared to a noisy study area.
When they come to pick up a key, ‘we get to know students quite well… and have a lovely chat. That’s really nice to see what we’re doing in action.’
For students and staff interested in such initiatives, the Library Support Staff assures that they will stay beyond Neurodiversity Week.
For Smith and everyone else at Library Support, ‘Neurodiversity Celebration Week is every week!’
Featured image: Epigram / Dana Datu
