Introduction to Disability and Accessibility for Record-Keepers
Speakers: Philip Milnes-Smith, Iida Saarinen, Daisy Stafford
Date: 9 May, 10:00-15:30
Location: University of Edinburgh Centre for Research Collections, Main Library, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9LJ
This session covers disability and accessibility through presentations and discussions, led by NRS archivist Iida Saarinen and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre archivist Philip Milnes-Smith, who both have lived experience of disability.
This training is specifically targeted for record-keepers (archivists, conservators, and records managers, as well as others working with archives and records).
Daisy Stafford from the CRC will also be speaking about her work leading an Accessibility Working Group within Heritage Collections.
Training Outcomes
Understanding of a wide definition of accessibility
Exploring the basics of disability history, and why it matters when considering disability and accessibility today
Exploring concepts such as disability, intersectionality, spoon theory, microaggressions, unconscious bias, and privilege.
Considering a variety of disabilities and the associated access needs, including the presenters’ lived experience
Reflection of one’s own attitudes, challenging stereotypes and stigma, and setting an improvement action.
Trainers and Speakers
Philip Milnes-Smith
Philip Milnes-Smith is a disabled archivist employed at Shakespeare’s Globe but with some freelance practice including in disability history. As the Chair of the Accessibility Working Group of the Diversity and Inclusion Allies set up to be a critical friend of the Archives and Records Association, he is co-ordinator of, and regular contributor to, the Accessibility and Archives blog. He set up the Disability Collections Forum in 2022 for those working in libraries, archives and museums, to share and develop good practice.
Iida Saarinen
Iida Saarinen is a disabled archivist and public records officer working for National Records of Scotland. A Finn on a very prolonged Scottish adventure, she was previously engaged in the academic study of history and higher education teaching, but has since found her place in the recordkeeping sector. With a particular interest in equity, diversity and inclusion, Iida is a Diversity and Inclusion Ally for Archives and Records Association, a Diversity Officer for ARA Scotland, and a member of Disability Collections Forum.
Daisy Stafford (she/her) is a Chartered librarian and holds a Master's in Book History & Material Culture from the University of Edinburgh. She is now Archive & Library Access Manager within Heritage Collections at the University, where she manages access services such as Reading Rooms, Virtual Reading Rooms, Enquiries, and Teaching with Collections. Her postgraduate and professional research has focused on increasing access to collections for all users and she leads an Accessibility Working Group within her department.
Timetable:
09:30 - Arrival
10:00 - Start: Session 1
10:55 - Movement break
11:05 - Session 2
11:55 - Movement break
12:05 - Daisy Stafford
12:45 - Lunch
13:30 - Session 3
14:00 - Session 4
14:50 - Movement Break
15:00 - Session 5
15:30 - event close
Booking and delegate fee: Individual ARA member £20 and Non-member £30.
The closing date for Eventbrite bookings is Monday 5th May 2025. Joining instructions will be sent 48 hours before the start date.