O papel da biblioteca na construção de um ambiente inclusivo para o usuário com deficiência visual

Abstract

The research aims to broaden access to knowledge and information for users with visual impairments within libraries and information centers. For people with visual impairments, it is essential that the collection is presented in a diversified way, such as in Braille, audio description, audiobooks. In this perspective, this research aims to describe the role of the library in the construction of an inclusive environment for the visually impaired user. The theoretical basis is based on laws that ensure accessibility in libraries. In addition to the legislation, a bibliographic research was carried out on different formats of books and materials in order to contemplate different audiences with visually impaired people as the central user. The research has the character of a narrative literature review, discussing the role of the library regarding the access of the visually impaired user. The research locus will be the data from Brazil and the legislation that was created to support people with visual impairments in relation to access to information in libraries in Brazil. Information from the period 2000 to 2021 was sought. The current scenario shows the latent need to make libraries accessible so that people with visual impairments can have access to information in order to produce knowledge. Thus, it is necessary to create adequate mechanisms and qualified professionals to deal with the diversity of audiences and transform the library experience into something innovative, attractive, accessible and inclusive. However, libraries in Brazil still lack investment in infrastructure, in products, in assistive technology and in trained professionals so that not only people with visual impairments, but any citizen can have access to these spaces.