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Accessibility in Libraries

Android Accessibility Help

This resource provides a quick overview of accessibility settings that library staff can use on Android devices. It could be helpful for troubleshooting with a patron having issues with an Android device.

AppleVis

AppleVis is an online resource for blind and low-vision users of Apple products such as the Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. The blog provides guides to various apps and software, reviews of the accessibility of Apple products, and a discussion forum and podcast.

Apple Accessibility Support

A guide for some of the accessibility features available in Apple products, including VoiceOver, AssistiveTouch, Switch Control, Guided Access, and Voice Control. There is also a braille user guide for different types of apple devices.

Described and Captioned Media Program

The Described and Captioned Media Program is a free-loan library of accessible educational media for teachers and family members of K-12 students. The videos available range in subjects from Art History to Sports and Recreation.

Knowbility

Knowbility is a nonprofit organization with the mission of improving technology access for millions of youth and adults with disabilities all over the world. They provide several services, including accessibility testing, auditing, training, and a regularly updated comprehensive blog on web accessibility.

Neil Squire Society

Neils Squire Society is a comprehensive website that offers various services such as accessibility auditing, website and product testing, a service to help businesses develop an accessibility plan, an assistive technology help desk to assist users with their devices, and more.

Accessibility Information Toolkit for Libraries

This in-depth Toolkit broadly covers accessibility as it applies to libraries. It provides information about creating an accessible collection for your patrons and standards of accessibility for a library to follow. This would be an excellent resource for a library looking to develop its accessibility policies.

Guidelines on Library and Information Services for People with Disabilities

This is a set of accessibility guidelines from 2016 written by the Canadian Federation of Library Associations (CFLA), in consultation with experts, for all Canadian libraries. This document is a good general outline of recommended accessible and inclusive service practices.

Digital Accessibility Courses & Accessibility Reference Library

Deque University provides an extensive curriculum of self-guided online courses so you can focus on the skills you need with the flexibility your schedule requires. Along with courses, this site also offers valuable resources such as guides to using screen readers, an ARIA JavaScript pattern library, and a page with a detailed breakdown of disability demographics.

Project Enable

Project Enable provides a comprehensive set of training designed specifically for public, academic, or school librarians. This is a completely free resource and contains a group account option that allows your library staff to register and complete the training together.

Project Pals: College Of Communication & Information

Four training modules are centred around making the library accessible for people with autism. The course includes research-based checklists, examples of materials, tip sheets, lists, and templates to implement best practices in your unique library setting. This self-paced course is free to all library workers and volunteers if you create an OCLC account.

Rick Hansen Foundation

The Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) offers training and auditing primarily based on building accessibility. They offer unique programs, professional training, and in British Columbia, a grants program that provides funding to improve the accessibility of spaces that have received the RHF certification.

WebAIM’s Hierarchy for Motivating Accessibility Change

This is a great quick summary and infographic detailing the ways people are motivated to implement accessible changes. It is a pyramid hierarchy similar to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, with Guilt being at the bottom and Inspire being at the top.

Accessibility 101 for Canadian Public Library Staff Webinar Recording

The Accessibility 101 webinar recording provides foundational information about accessibility in public libraries. The topics discussed include – “Introduction to Accessibility,” “Introduction to Disabilities,” “Introduction to Accessible Formats,” and more.

Accessibility 101 Presentation Slides

The presentation slides for the Accessibility 101 webinar are available! The slides provide an outline of foundational accessibility topics such as an introduction to disabilities, physical and digital accessibility features, accessible formats, and more.