Accessible Library Collections
Did you know?
- Print disabilities affect approximately 10% of the Canadian population
- Approximately 5% of text materials are currently available in a format that is accessible to persons with print disabilities
- According to the Copyright Act (section 32), a print disability is a learning, physical or visual, disability that impairs a person from reading conventional print
B.C.’s public libraries operate as a network to respond to the needs of people with print disabilities.
The following programs grant access to collections across the province and are available through local public libraries:
- National Network of Equitable Library Service: produces digital books in accessible formats and makes them available to readers in Canada who have print disabilities
- Interlibrary Loan (e.g. DAISY, MP3 CDs, large print)
- Public Library InterLINK (Books on CD, DAISY, and small Braille collection)
Resources for Publishers
Inclusive publishing is the methodology and practice of creating a single, commercial publication which can be accessed by everyone irrespective of print disability, using mainstream or specialist assistive technology. NNELS provides a tools for publishers interested in making books and other content available to Canadians with print disabilities.
