Today launches National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) across Canada from May 29 to June 4, 2022. This year the theme for National AccessAbility Week is “Inclusive from the start”.
The Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) provides resources for libraries to create accessible programming for kids and teens. The resources includes tips for making your programming inclusive; considerations about the physical spaces of your programming, and examples of accessible programming. Quick Facts CELA’s tips for creating inclusive children and teen programming include: Ensure thatRead more about Accessible library programming for kids and teens[…]
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 beforeRead more about Social Story: Ready for Reading (Toronto Public Library)[…]
The Public Library Resource Centre website, AccessibleLIbraries.ca, is focused on educating and training library staff on the importance of accessibility in public libraries. This video discusses and navigates the website and highlights the features and information available for public library staff. We hope you will enjoy it! If you have information and resources that youRead more about A Guided Tour of AccessibleLibraries.ca[…]
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. The resources are targeted towards the publishing field. Still, libraries and library staff can only benefit by learning how and what makes eBooks accessible.Read more about Guide to Image Descriptions (AccessiblePublishing.ca)[…]
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. Quick Facts The accessibility of each book format varies depending on how theyRead more about Accessible Formats (NNELS)[…]
The Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) provides 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 Facts Dyslexia is defined as difficulty learning to read, write, ad spell despite having anRead more about All about reading disabilities: how libraries can support readers with dyslexia[…]
Hello and welcome! To get you started on your accessibility journey, we’ve summarized information from the Accessibility 101 webinar. The fact and links below will help you establish foundational knowledge that you can build on. General Tips There are many different types of disabilities that present in numerous visible and invisible ways. Accessibility is aboutRead more about Quick Reference: Accessibility 101 For Public Libraries[…]
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. Quick Facts The term “print disability” is a general term for different groups of persons with disabilities who have difficulty reading traditional books. This definition, fromRead more about What is a print disability? (CELA)[…]
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. Quick Facts There are accessibility features built into Android devices. Enable/disable the TalkBack screen reader by: Pressing both the volume buttons on the sideRead more about Android Accessibility Help[…]
Accessibility interview questions list potential job interview questions meant to gauge someone’s understanding of digital accessibility. Quick Facts This resource suggests that you do not ask about specific facts and figures when interviewing job candidates. For example, please state verbatim the WCAG guideline 2.3 (FYI, it is “Seizures and Physical Reactions – do not designRead more about Accessibility Interview Questions[…]
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. Quick Facts The Neil Squire Society provides resources for employers to create an accessibleRead more about Neil Squire Society[…]
This is an in-depth Toolkit that broadly covers accessibility as it applies to libraries. Initially, it was intended for the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL). Still, the toolkit itself mentions that it is meant to be “considered in the context of each institution and adapted accordingly” (Ontario Council of University Libraries, 2014, 5). ItRead more about Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL) Accessibility Information Toolkit for Libraries[…]
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. Quick Facts Many Canadians have experienced a permanent or temporary disability. Making sure all spaces are accessible will help everyone participate inRead more about Accessible Spaces 101 (PowerED)[…]
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. Quick Facts Libraries need to commit to creating a fully accessible and inclusive library toRead more about Project Enable[…]
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 as long as you create an OCLC account.Read more about Project Pals: College Of Communication & Information[…]
This paper reports on an investigation of factors influencing access to public libraries for children with disabilities and their families from the perspective of the public librarian. This could be a valuable reference for any library or children’s department looking to form its accessibility policy or guidelines. Quick Facts Libraries, in general, have made aRead more about Public Libraries and Access for Children with Disabilities and Their Families: A Proposed Inclusive Library Model[…]
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. Quick Facts 1 in 5 Canadians, more than 6.2 million, currently live withRead more about Rick Hansen Foundation[…]
The Accessibility 101 webinar recording is here! This video provides foundational information about accessibility in public libraries. The topics discussed include – “Introduction to Accessibility,” “Introduction to Disabilities,” “Introduction to Accessible Formats,” “Strategies for Inclusive Events,” and “What You Can Do Now For Free.” You can also access the video on the Accessible Libraries YouTubeRead more about Accessibility 101 for Canadian Public Library Staff Webinar Recording[…]
The slides for the Accessibility 101 webinar, presented on September 30, are available! They outline the different presentation subjects including: Introduction to Disabilities Introduction to Accessibility Introduction to Accessible Formats Strategies for Inclusive Events What you can do now (for free) The webinar video recording is also available! To better serve your library and fulfillRead more about Accessibility 101 Presentation Slides[…]
