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Library Branch and Department Manager

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.

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.

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.

Building Braille Inclusion in Libraries

This video discusses making libraries more inclusive for braille readers. It provides practical tips for making storytimes more accessible by including braille and tactile materials, highlights accessibility challenges with digital services offered by libraries, and offers suggestions on making STEAM activities and maker spaces more inclusive.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Accessible Procurement Webinar

Join Kerry Anderson and Kim Johnson from the Public Library Services Branch (PLSB) of the Alberta Government and Laetitia Mfamobani from the National Network for Equitable Library Service testing team as they talk about accessible procurement. The topics include how to incorporate accessibility into the procurement process and contracts.

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.

Accessibility Roles and Hiring Survey 2022

This survey, useful for hiring manager and library staff alike, gives an insight into the demographics, role distribution, and barriers faced by accessibility professional.

Checklist: Adding Alternative Text and Long Descriptions

If your documents, websites, or digital materials (emails, social media posts, programming materials, etc.) have images, gifs, graphics, charts, graphs, maps, and tables, you must add alternative text to describe them. Long descriptions are needed as well for more complex images.