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Reference/Adult Services Librarian

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.

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.

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.

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.

Best Practices for Alberta Public Libraries

If you are a part of a public library in Alberta, this resource can help you find the general guidelines and additional resources on implementing the standards in the document.

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.

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.

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.

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.