Skip to content

Accessibility Specialist

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.

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.

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.

2020 Overdrive Report

The 2020 Overdrive report provides an in-depth accessibility analysis of the Overdrive platforms. It highlights various accessible barriers encountered when navigating the website and application using various devices and assistive technologies. The Overdrive report is particularly useful to platform developers, library staff, and patrons who are interested in this platform.

Putting the “A” in DEIA

The Putting the A in DEIA webinar discusses the importance of Accessible scholarly materials through the insights of professionals and those with lived experiences. This webinar is particularly helpful for library staff as it will provide valuable information when assisting patrons with print disabilities.

Reading Rockets Accessible Formats

The Reading Rockets Accessible Formats webpage discusses a variety of Accessible formats available to children with a print disability. The website provides information on various formats and their Accessible features.

Plain Language Checklist

When creating content for the general public, following these guidelines can help reduce confusion and additional explanations and improve accessibility.

Accessible Library Programming Examples

Libraries worldwide offer a wide variety of accessible programs. Learning about these programs is a great way to discover how libraries are attempting to meet specific accessibility needs. This resource contains examples of accessible programming found in libraries in North America.

National Braille Press

The National Braille Press (NBP) is dedicated to empowering the blind and visually impaired by promoting braille literacy and learning through touch. NBP offers a range of programs, materials, and technology designed to support this mission, aiming to enhance accessibility and educational opportunities for those who rely on braille.

The Presenter Toolkit

Rachel Shortt has created a best practice guide to presentations. The presenter toolkit covers planning and designing presentations, tips, and things to think about while giving the presentation, answering any questions that may arise from your presentation material.

PressReader Testing Report

The 2020 PressReader Report provides an in-depth accessibility analysis of the PressReader website. This report highlights various accessible barriers encountered when navigating this website and accessing its content.

PrêtNumérique Testing Report

The 2021 PrêtNumérique report provides an in-depth accessibility analysis of the PrêtNumérique platform. It highlights accessible barriers encountered when testing this platform on various devices. The PrêtNumérique report is particularly useful to developers and library patrons interested in the PrêtNumérique content.

Accessible Fonts

There are a lot of varying opinions on how to do accessible fonts. There is no uniform consensus, but there are some general guidelines for publishers and presenters to pay attention to.