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 Technologies
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.
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.
Braille displays supported by iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch
The Apple Support page provides a comprehensive list of Braille displays compatible with Voiceover on an iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. It details the various models supported by different manufacturers, such as Alva, American Printing House for the Blind (APH), Baum, and many more.
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.
Magnifier: How to Make Things Easier to Read on the Screen
Microsoft created a thorough guide to the various functions that Magnifier on Windows 10 or 11 can perform. This guide is a helpful resource for library staff and patrons alike, as it provides instruction on how to use a quality-of-life tool for low vision or users who suffer from eyestrain.
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.
Questions for Vendors: Company Accessibility Policies
Asking vendors about the accessibility of their products ensures that you provide the most inclusive content and reading systems available for your patrons. This is important because not all content, online services, and reading systems have accessibility built into them by design.
Checklist: Accessibility 101
We suggest you use this checklist as a guide for library staff when they are starting their accessibility journey or when you provide staff training. The information is summarized from the Accessibility 101 webinar, slides, and the “Quick Reference: Accessibility 101” document.
Accessibility for Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, & Drawings
Google provides help documentation to guide you through the steps needed to create documents using assistive technologies and how to make accessible documents.
Screen Magnification
If you are interested in learning more about screen magnification technologies, this resource is a terrific starting point. The AbilityNet factsheet describes what screen magnification software is and does.
Assistive Technology Products
The American Foundation of the Blind (AFB) provides a list of assistive technologies (also known as access technologies) that persons with print disabilities use to consume content. The products page includes a summary of the different technologies as well as the different types and options for each one.
Creating Accessible Documents Webinar Recording
This recording of the Creating Accessible Documents webinar guides you through how to make an accessible Word document, including accessible tables, images, and document structure. The webinar includes demonstrations and examples of how you can start creating accessible documents.
Guide to Image Descriptions
AccessiblePublishing.ca, a website developed by the National Network of Equitable Library Service (NNELS), presents information and resources to help publishers, libraries, and other organizations create and provide access to accessible eBooks.
Reading Systems/Apps Tutorials for Screen Reader Users
users through different reading systems/apps. These YouTube videos are an excellent resource for library staff who want to know how the reading systems/apps are accessible with screen readers.
Quick Reference: Accessibility 101 For Public Libraries
To get you started on your accessibility journey, we’ve summarized information from the Accessibility 101 webinar. The fact and links in this training resource will help you establish foundational knowledge that you can build on.