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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.

Accessible library programming for kids and teens

The Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) provides resources for libraries to create accessible programming for kids and teens. The resources include tips for making your programming inclusive, considerations about the physical spaces of your programming, and examples of accessible programming.

Social Story: Ready for Reading

The Toronto Public Library (TPL) presents a Social Story to help children become familiar with their library. Social Stories are learning tools for children that describe different experiences and situations they will encounter when visiting their public library. TPL suggests that parents or teachers read this story with their children one or more times before visiting the library to make them feel comfortable about their visit.

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.

Accessible Formats

The National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS) provides an online repository for library patrons with print disabilities. NNELS works with organizations, libraries, and publishers to create accessible books. The accessible book formats available in NNELS are listed in this accessibility resource.

All about reading disabilities: how libraries can support readers with dyslexia

The Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) provides content for people with print disabilities and has webinars for libraries and library staff to help them create accessible services and support the needs of their patrons with disabilities. This webinar explores how libraries can support readers with dyslexia.

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.

What is a print disability?

The Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) provides libraries with informational YouTube videos. This video discusses the term “print disability” and the content CELA provides to serve those patrons.

Accessibility Interview Questions

Accessibility interview questions list potential job interview questions meant to gauge someone’s understanding of digital accessibility.

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.

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.

Accessible Spaces 101

This course has been developed for many professionals interested in expanding their practical understanding of accessibility. Upon completion of Accessible Spaces 101, a digital badge is awarded that can be saved and shared.

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.