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Resources Supporting Kids and Teens with Disabilities

Resources Supporting Kids and Teens with Disabilities

The Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) provides an overview of information for library staff to support kids and teens with disabilities. This document begins with links about general disability etiquette, language, and customer service.

First Steps in Creating an Accessible Website

We’ve compiled a top-five list of items for you when creating an accessible webpage or editing existing web pages. These are the items that everyone can follow to make their websites more accessible.

Web Accessibility for Designers

Aimed at designers, the article emphasizes that accessibility considerations should be integrated into the visual design process from the outset. The resource presents an infographic highlighting key principles of accessible design, covering aspects such as heading structure, reading order, contrast, text versus images, font size, and more.

Accessible Board and Card Games

NNELS Accessibility Board and Card Games were made available so people with vision loss can enjoy games with others. The page acknowledges the social benefits, physical, tactile games, and online and video game options.

Disability Books (Genre)

Goodreads “Disability Books” (genre) has multiple categories of content educating disabilities or telling stories about characters with disabilities or are by authors who identify as having disabilities. Books in the collection cover a range of ideas around disability.

IFLA Libraries Serving Persons with Disabilities Section

The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Libraries Serving Persons with Print Disabilities Section discusses the general goals of getting materials to people with print disabilities.

Disability Language Style Guide

Disability Language Style Guide is also a downloadable PDF that lists appropriate terms and phrases when referring to people with disabilities in publications or conversations. Translated versions are available.

Braille at NNELS

The National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS) in Canada has launched initiatives to improve braille accessibility in public libraries based on a 2018 study. Their efforts include a braille pilot project with two main components: the Distributed Braille Collection and the Print-Braille Collection, supported by the Government of Canada.

Toronto Public Library: IBBY Collection for Young People with Disabilities

The International Board on Books for Young People has curated a collection of titles created by or about young people with disabilities, which is available at the Toronto Public Library. This website is particularly useful to the library, staff, and individuals interested in accessing or learning more about this collection.

Made by Dyslexia

Made by Dyslexia is a website dedicated to empowering and highlighting dyslexia. It provides information about dyslexia and emphasizes that it is a skill to be valued. This website is particularly useful for library staff and anyone who has dyslexia.

WebAIM: Microsoft Word Creating Accessible Documents

WebAIM has created a valuable resource, instructing users on how to make accessible documents using Microsoft Word. This website is particularly useful for anyone who wishes to make word documents that are born accessible.

Accessibility Report for World Book Online

The World Book Online provides K to 12 students with educational resources like dictionaries, games, and encyclopedias. All of these resources are available for free through most public library cards.

Assistive Technology Comparisons

This resource from the National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS) provides some suggestions and comparisons of different assistive technology products that are currently available and used by persons with disabilities. Assistive technology encompasses devices, software, and equipment specifically designed to enhance daily living, reading, learning, and working for those with various disabilities.

The LinkedIn Learning Report

The LinkedIn Learning Report provides an in-depth accessibility analysis of the LinkedIn platform. This report highlights various accessible barriers encountered when navigating the application and website using a myriad of assistive technologies. The LinkedIn Learning Report is particularly useful to the platform developers and professionals interested in using this educational platform and who rely on assistive technologies.

International Dyslexia Association

The International Dyslexia Association has compiled a thorough guide on dyslexia, including helpful lesson plans to ensure students with dyslexia do not face any barriers to learning. The information found on this webpage is incredibly useful not only for people with dyslexia but also for teachers, librarians, and those who work with persons with dyslexia.

Accessibility Report for Mango Languages

Mango Languages is an online learning platform often available to library patrons through their library card. This site has overall adequate accessibility for most with print disabilities. This resource describes how the websites and apps are accessible and some gotchas that should be noted when recommending this service to a patron.

A Crash Course in Ebook Accessibility

This playlist of videos produced by the National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS) provides a comprehensive introduction to ebook accessibility. It covers topics such as Reflowable Content, image descriptions, navigation, metadata and more.

Braille displays supported by iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch

The Apple Support page provides a comprehensive list of Braille displays compatible with Voiceover on an iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. It details the various models supported by different manufacturers, such as Alva, American Printing House for the Blind (APH), Baum, and many more.