Each Yarra Libraries branch has a designated Accessible PC with a large print multimedia keyboard, trackball mouse with scroll ring and wired stereo headset.

If you have any questions regarding accessibility services at Yarra Libraries, please Contact Us.

 

Changing Places Toilet

Bargoonga Nganjin, North Fitzroy Library is home to a Changing Places toilet.

Introduced to Australia in 2012, Changes Places is an initiative which advocates for the build and inclusion of adult sized change tables, ceiling hoists and peninsular toilets in all public toilets across Australia to meet the needs of people with complex disabilities and their carers.

Changing Places toilets are specifically suitable toilets for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets. This may include people with an acquired brain injury, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, motor neurone disease and their carers, as well as many other people with a disability.

The Changing Place has:

    • A height adjustable adult sized changing bench

    • A constant charging ceiling track hoist system

    • A centrally located peninsula toilet

    • Circulation spaces as defined in the design specifications

    • Automatic door with a clear opening of 950mm at a minimum

    • Other fixtures and fittings as detailed in the design specifications.

Learn more about Changing Places toilets

 

Accessing the toilet

To use the Changing Places toilet, you will need a Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK), which fits into specially designed locks allowing access. An MLAK can be ordered from the Master Locksmith Association of Australia by completing the MLAK form. 

The key can be purchased by people with disability, their carers, assistants and support workers, and Changing Places facility owners. Victorian Companion Card holders are entitled to one free MLAK key through a partnership with the Victorian Government.

Eligibility is restricted to people who have a disability or have written authority from:

• a doctor
• a disability organisation
• community health centre
• the owner or manager of a building with an accessible toilet on site.

To apply for an MLAK, visit the Master Locksmiths website.

 

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Reader Pen

The C-Pen Reader pen scanner is major technological breakthrough for anyone learning English, Spanish or French and is a life-saver for those who suffer from reading difficulties such as dyslexia. The C-Pen Reader is a pocket-sized device that reads text out aloud with an English, Spanish or French human-like digital voice.

 

The in-built dictionary puts the power of Collins English Dictionary (30th Anniversary Edition Tenth edition) and the Oxford Spanish and French Dictionaries in your hands. Simply pass the nib across a word and it instantly displays the definition and reads it aloud. It is also a scanner for capturing lines of text and uploading to a PC or Mac, making it ideal for students, teachers and professionals to capture essential information.

Yarra libraries has a Reader Pen available to loan for up to 3 weeks at each of our 5 library branches. Click here to place a request on one of our Reader Pens. 

Learn more about the Reader Pen.

 

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Resources

	Seeing AI Developed by Microsoft, and available both on Android & IOS this free app will use the camera on a smartphone to read anything placed in front of it in real-time.
	NVDA (Non Visual Desktop Access) NVDA is a free advanced screen reader for windows computers. Using this reader, you can have everything on the screen read to you and navigate webpages.
	Vision Australia Library The Vision Australia Library opens up a world of information to people who are blind or have low vision, or a print disability. Membership is free and available to people who have Australian Residence.