COPE Ableism Q&A 2022
Purpose of survey:  
During the 2021 ALA Annual Conference, the American Library Association adopted a 9th Principle to the Code of Ethics. It asks that library professionals “advance racial and social justice in our libraries.” The purpose of this survey is to gather information about library services to people with disabilities (PWD) as part of the ALA commitment to social justice. The ALA's Committee on Professional Ethics (COPE) is preparing this Q&A document to provide guidance to ethical issues on ableism through the ALA Code of Ethics. We invite input from the library community, seeking answers to specific questions and additional input on what the document could also address. The full ALA Code of Ethics can be viewed here: https://www.ala.org/tools/ethics

Definition of ableism:
“Ableism is a set of beliefs or practices that devalue and discriminate against people with physical, intellectual, or psychiatric disabilities and often rests on the assumption that disabled people need to be ‘fixed’ in one form or the other.” (Definition from Center for Disability Rights)

We ask that you complete the survey by March 31, 2022.

Thank you for taking time to participate and provide input,

Committee on Professional Ethics

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Type of library or organization in which you work or are reporting about:
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Have you or anyone you know experienced ableism in your library either towards library patrons or staff? If yes, what forms of ableism have you experienced or seen someone else experience? If no or unsure, can you expand on your response?
Is there any terminology in the Code of Ethics that you would like clarification on? If so, which part(s)?
Does your library have a policy about serving people with disabilities? If yes, what does your organization’s policy cover regarding serving people with disabilities? If no or unsure, can you expand on your response?
How does your library’s policy and review process determine if current policies are favorable or discriminatory toward people with disabilities? How often are your policies updated and how are those updates communicated with staff?
Does your organization offer any special services for people with disabilities besides basic compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)? If yes, please address any or all of the following: Facilities Design, Library Services, Library Programs, Technology, Collection, and Other Areas not included. If no, can you expand on your response.
What training does your library offer to staff about serving and/or working with people with disabilities?
The 9th principle defines an ethical obligation to raise questions and initiate change about policies that unintentionally are detrimental to people with disabilities. How should these be addressed?
How does your organization’s leadership and management demonstrate a commitment to making a library accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities?
What has your organization learned from the COVID-19 pandemic about creating accessible and disability-inclusive spaces? How can your institution continue to prioritize making necessary accommodations to maintain these spaces?
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