Library open day to assist

The Bankstown local lives with cerebral palsy – a physical disability that affects her right side and sometimes makes it tricky to get around.
“I go to Bankstown Library to have a bit of quiet time and chill out,” Ms Magill said.
“I go if I’ve got meeting preparations and if I need to do paperwork in between meetings – it has a range of resources in Braille, AUSLAN and translated materials and is very accessible to public transport.”
Ms Magill will be sharing her story at Bankstown Library and Knowledge Centre’s Accessible Open Day this Friday (May 31).
“Events like this are so important so we can continue the conversation around accessibility, because sometimes it gets lost in translation,” she said.
Also sharing her experiences will be 24-year-old Maria Elias, a frequent user of Riverwood Library.
Ms Elias was born with cerebral palsy and faces challenges with daily activities.
“I always felt that my disability was a burden but now I’m excited to share my story,” Ms Elias said.
“I’ve wanted to showcase that we are a community full of people that deserve to be heard; we’re not different to anybody else, we’re just differently abled.”
Anyone living with disability, as well as regular library goers, teachers and students are encouraged to come along to the Open Day to learn what library services are available to them.
The day will kick off at 10am with an accessible library story time, followed by an afternoon of stories with a living library.
People with Disability Australia (PWDA) will be on hand at the event to provide information, advocacy and support, while council staff will be available to answer accessibility questions and help with accessibility requirements.
Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said with around seven per cent of the community living with a disability, it’s vital that programs, services and facilities were accessible to all.