MHC supports new library for blind children

Dublin firm Mason Hayes & Curran (MHC) has helped to develop and fund a national library for visually impaired children.

Children’s author and rugby analyst Brent Pope yesterday opened the new National Library for Blind Children, which also received funding from the Community Fund of the Bon Secours Hospital Glasnevin and was developed in close conjunction with ChildVision.

The colours in the new library helps the visually impaired with greater contrast between the spaces. Architects Hanley Taite brought the garden and animals, located just outside the library, into the design.

A treehouse appears in the top right hand corner, a zone for storytelling. A level down a picnic area with artificial grass allows the children to sit or lie on the floor surrounded by tactile materials. A wheelchair ramp with large portholes divides the space and graphics of native wildlife decorates the walls of the ramp.

MHC’s contribution helped to fund accessible technology in the facility.

Declan Black, managing partner of Mason Hayes & Curran, said: “One of our social goals is to support education and we work with many technology companies. So it is gratifying to be able to contribute to the essential IT infrastructure of this new library as it exemplifies the best of what technology can offer.

“Once the children have developed their solid braille skills they can then access so much more on digital braille displays, note takers and hopefully soon, braille tablets. iPads with specialist apps also allows for further learning opportunities.”