Creator: Lisa Kovak and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
Date Updated: January 9, 2023
Overview
The Library Accessibility Features web page by Lisa Kovak discusses the changed libraries can and should make to conform with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). The features discussed on this page include materials, programming, equipment and services, and how to contact the library.
All information is this page is summarized from the Library Accessibility Features page.
Quick Facts
The features and guidelines discussed on the web page are:
- Libraries must provide accessible materials and resources, including:
- Accessible formats of existing materials for patrons (e.g. braille, audiobooks, large print, ebooks, etc.).
- Access to e-resources platforms that provide accessible content like the National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS) and Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA).
- Digital resources and websites must follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
- Let persons with disabilities know that your library has accessible materials and resources!
- The library should provide accessible technologies for patrons in the library.
- Libraries should ensure that their spaces and programming are accessible. This can include wide aisles and shelves that are not too high or too low. Programming should offer accessibility supports such as American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters and captions (for virtual programming).
- Libraries need to provide multiple ways for patrons to contact them and provide feedback.
Visit the Library Accessibility Features page.
Reference
Kovac, L. (2019, May 23). Library Accessibility Features. Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Retrieved January 9, 2023, from https://www.aoda.ca/library-accessibility-features/