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 tools for publishers interested in making books and other content available to Canadians with print disabilities.
