The Central Coast Library Service received a $10,000 grant from Fundability to develop an Accessible Arcade using portable gaming technology like iPads, Wii, and Xbox, aimed at including children aged 9-15 with disabilities. The Accessible Arcade was launched in libraries during school holidays in 2015 and was very popular, though there were some delays in setting up the equipment. The program engaged both primary school children and special needs groups. Going forward, the library seeks to expand the program by addressing technical issues, increasing community awareness, and hosting sessions at schools and community events.

1. www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
Accessible Arcade
Central Coast Library Service

2. www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
Fundability
Get Including!
https://www.fundability.com.au/
Goal
Children aged 9-15years who have a disability are included
by mainstream services and activities within their local
community.

3. www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
Grant Application and
Program Support
• Children’s and Youth Librarians
• Disability Inclusion Officer (former Gosford City Council)
• Senior Council staff
• Branch Libraries Staff
• IT staff
• Planning Accessible Events training and guidelines for Gosford Council
Staff

4. www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
Planning Accessible Events

5. www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
What We Did
• Applied for a Fundability Grant to develop a Portable Technology and
Games Centre (2014)
• Received $10,000 from Fundability
• Purchased (2015)
– 10 iPads
– Wii u console, controllers and games
– Xbox One, controllers and games
• Accessible Arcade in Libraries
– Special needs groups
– School holiday programs

6. www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
Accessible Arcade
• Program launched during school holiday period, 2015
• Programs booked out at all locations
• Participants exceeded number of bookings available
• Two events included children with hearing disabilities who were able to
fully participate in the event
• Students from a local Special Needs school participated in an in–library
event (2 sessions: 4-6 participants in each session)
• Identified new programs including grandparents playing alongside
grandchildren as Seniors Week events 2016

7. www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
Challenges
Delays in timeframe rolling out the program:
• Equipment out of stock with suppliers
• Integrating new equipment into the existing IT and Library systems
• Purchasing additional equipment to overcome IT issues
• Staffing
• Amalgamation

8. www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
Participants
Primary aged children and younger siblings
– School holiday program
– After school gaming afternoons
Some participation of special needs students from local
public and specialist schools
– Dedicated sessions held at one branch for special needs group

9. www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
Promotion
Promoted as
an inclusive event

10. www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
Eventbrite

11. www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
Eventbrite
Registration
• Eventbrite bookings allow a customised
question which appears on all our event
booking sheets
• This information can be accessed from
Central Coast Council’s login
Please note any special access
requirements

12. www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
Moving Forward
• Central Coast Council
• Incorporate the successful gaming program Kings of War in Libraries (KoWiL), an initiative of
the former Wyong Libraries, which also provides an accessible activity for participants with
varied abilities
• Incorporate the iPads into the sessions (load apps, resolve password issues)
• Incorporate the Xbox, which had issues updating with the network wi-fi (resolve issues)
• Increase awareness of the program in schools and preschools
• Invite local schools, special needs schools, and homeschool network to either attend a session
in the library or have the library visit them
• Increase public awareness of the program through Central Coast Council’s communication and
media channels
• Hold sessions at community events as part of the library outreach program

13. www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
Questions?
• catherine.krause@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
• matthewpaterson@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
• darrylkane@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au (KoWiL)
Thank You