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.
Rural Librarian
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.
Make story time more accessible with these tips for adding descriptions to read-aloud!
When reading stories to children with print disabilities, there are some additional things you can do to make their story time more accessible. We’ll outline the tips discussed, followed by examples of how to implement them.
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.
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.
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.
Respectful and Plain Language
Respectful and Plain Language is a communication guide for library staff when interacting with and assisting the public.
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.