Skip to content

All Resources

Considering Accessibility when Procuring Licensed Digital Resources

Procurement, at its most basic, is the process of purchasing goods and services, and all libraries have a part to play in this activity. The procurement process for licensed digital resources in public libraries is complex, and locally variable. This guide recommends accessibility considerations to include in the procurement process of accessible licensed digital resources in general, as well as some particular considerations for accessible digital books.

Certified Publishers: Benetech

The Global Certified Accessible (GCA) program assists publishers and vendors in creating content accessible to all readers by adjusting workflows and ensuring compliance with accessibility standards. Publishers can get GCA certification to assist them in producing accessible titles.

Common Accessibility Issues in EPUBs

This playlist of videos produced by the National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS) provides a comprehensive discussion of Common Accessibility Issues in EPUB Files. It covers topics such as lack of headings, table of contents navigation, challenges with fixed and reflowable layouts and more.

Digital Accessibility Terminology

This primer from CDP Communications Inc. introduces key terminology related to digital accessibility, focusing on web and document accessibility. The primer covers outline general terms, compliance standards, accommodation approaches, and formatting content for accessibility, alongside highlighting the significance of assistive technologies and legal frameworks.

Collections of Representative Content

Library content should represent the community, which, of course, includes persons with disabilities. We have brought together lists of #OwnVoices (OV) content to help you create representative collections.

Legislation Summaries

Accessibility Legislation across Canada, provincially and federally, impacts libraries. To meet the legislative requirements, creating an accessible space and providing accessible services must be prioritized. In this resource, we summarize the existing and, when possible, upcoming accessibility legislation in Canada.

Display Techniques for ONIX Accessibility Metadata 1.0

The webpage on the W3C website provides a comprehensive guide on the Display Techniques for ONIX Accessibility Metadata 1.0, aiming to enhance the user experience by detailing practical techniques for using ONIX metadata. It includes examples for displaying accessibility features for eBooks and audiobooks to end-users.

Improving Braille Availability in Canadian Public Libraries

This study on improving Braille availability in Canadian public libraries was requested by NNELS in 2018 and written by a group of Canadian writers and researchers led by the Canadian Federation of the Blind. The paper’s purpose is to explore how to improve access to Braille for those who need it.

Kanopy Report

The Accessibility Report for Kanopy, from the National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS) with support from the Government of Canada’s Social Development Partnerships Program, examines the video streaming platform’s usability for individuals with print disabilities.

Library Access Checklist

The American Library Association (ALA) document discusses the importance of public libraries ensuring equal access to technology for those with disabilities. It provides a checklist for libraries to evaluate their level of accessibility by asking questions about the environment and users’ needs.

Assistive Technology Demonstrations

Assistive technology refers to products, equipment, and systems that enhance reading, learning, working, and daily living for people with disabilities. We have provided explanations and a few examples of demonstrations on how people use assistive technologies so you can understand their role in their lives.

Refreshing and Rethinking Braille Awareness Presentations with a Focus on Equity and Accessibility

This presentation discusses approaches to raising awareness of braille literacy beyond sharing information about braille. It emphasizes engaging braille readers in co-designing lessons to foster inclusion and accessibility. Some examples of lessons that were shown include connecting braille to coding, discussing the diversity of assistive technologies for braille use, and more.

TalkBack Screen Reader

Google has unveiled an all-new version of its TalkBack screen reader, designed to enhance accessibility for users who are blind or have low vision. This update introduces highly requested features, including multi-finger gestures and improved navigation through apps, making it easier for users to interact with their devices.

Using the Kobo Books App for iOS with VoiceOver

The National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS) offers a guide on using the Kobo Books app for iOS with VoiceOver. This guide aims to help users navigate and workaround the app’s accessibility barriers. The guide offers detailed instructions and summaries for people who want a short set of steps to follow.

YouDescribe

YouDescribe is an innovative platform dedicated to enhancing the accessibility of YouTube videos for visually impaired audiences through audio description. It serves as a crucial tool in making visual content accessible, enabling blind and low-vision users to enjoy a broader range of YouTube videos.

Fable

Fable is a platform that enhances digital accessibility through the involvement of people with disabilities. It offers tools and services designed for accessibility testing and training, aimed at helping digital teams integrate inclusive practices into their work.

Nova Scotia Legislature Accessibility Act

The Accessibility Act (Bill No. 59), passed in 2017 by the Nova Scotia Legislature, aims to enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities in Nova Scotia by 2030. It mandates the prevention and removal of barriers across various domains, such as goods and services delivery, public transportation, and more.

Accessibility Report for Libro.fm

The Accessibility Report for Libro.fm from NNELS delves into the digital audiobook service’s user experience for individuals with print disabilities. It evaluates the accessibility of Libro.fm’s website and mobile apps, focusing on navigation, search functionality, access to audiobook details, and playback through screen readers and magnification tools.

Accessible Reading Technologies Webinar

The Accessibility Reading Technologies Webinar briefly examines various Accessible formats and technologies. This webinar highlights the importance of ensuring that the entire process of obtaining a book from start to finish is Accessible.