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Curated Accessibility Resources

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.

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.

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.

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.

Respectful and Plain Language

Respectful and Plain Language is a communication guide for library staff when interacting with and assisting the public.

Plain Language Checklist

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