ASK! about Events and Outreach

NLB recently took part in Disability Information Referral Centre’s (DIRC) Abilities Roadshow 2008, held at the National Library Plaza. The roadshow aimed to “create awareness of the various services for people with disabilities, offered by Voluntary Welfare Organisations in the Disability sector”.

We were there to celebrate the abilities of People With Disabilities. We wanted to promote awareness and demystify misconceptions by encouraging people to read related books. In 2007, NLB also participated in the DAPE fair.

The Abilities Roadshow 2008 was graced by Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Vivian Balakrishnan.

He delivered a speech, and also visited the booths set up by various VWOs. Children had fun at a colouring contest, and the crowd was also treated to performances by the Bishan Home for the Intellectually Disabled.

At NLB’s booth, many youths sat down without second thought to be adorned with NLB’s tattoos. Each organisation received a plaque from NCSS Chief Executive Officer Ms Ang Bee Lian for their commitment to serving people who are disabled.

The NLB public libraries have lots of disability-related books.

Why are some people deaf? How do blind people read? Are autistic children shy? How do you explain disabilities to a young child?

These were some of the many questions participants at the roadshow asked at NLB’s counter. Through our suggestions, they found their answers in the books at our booth.

Some books featured at the roadshow can be found in our booklists, Understanding Disability Part 1 and Understanding Disability Part 2, which can be found here.

During this event, we not only promoted disability education to the public, but took the opportunity to hobnob with other members of the special community.

We thank DIRC for the opportunity to be showcased alongside the other VWOs.

Posted by Ang Mei Jun,

Librarian, Adult & Young People’s Services

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