Accessible Resources
CELA
CELA provides reading materials in accessible formats to patrons with print disabilities.
Vancouver Public Library is a member of CELA, and Accessible Services staff can assist with requests to CELA. CELA can acquire, produce, and distribute published works in alternative formats to Canadian public libraries and provide public libraries with advice, training and information to support their patrons’ access to and use of these collections. CELA offers access to over 700,000 items, including books, magazines, and newspapers (bilingual collection & services), and braille music scores from the Royal Conservatory of Canada curriculum. Format choices: digital narrated audio; digital text-to-speech; DAISY discs; embossed braille books; electronic braille; and print braille books for children.
CELA also provides access to Bookshare’s 600,000 titles with proof of disability.
Accessible Services staff can help you with the registration process for the CELA program. You can also register by phone or at a branch.
After registration CELA offers great phone and email support about any of the online resources.
If you already have a VPL card you can register online.
National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS)
National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS) is an online public library of downloadable ebooks and audiobooks for Vancouver residents with print disabilities, which include vision, mobility, and comprehension impairments that prevent someone from being able to read a traditional book. Accessible Services registration required. After registering with Accessible Services, eligible users or friends and family members can access the NNELS catalogue and download material directly, or request assistance from library staff. Full catalogue available to view at nnels.ca.
Formats for People with Print Disabilities
DAISY players
Accessible Services lends DAISY players to eligible Accessible Services patrons to play DAISY formatted discs and MP3 discs.
DAISY discs
Provides more features than standard CD Audiobooks. Some features include; larger storage, full-text searching, bookmarks, line by line navigation and controlled speed. In order to listen to DAISY discs, download free software onto your computer, or borrow a DAISY player from Accessible Services.
MP3 discs
Accessible Services holds a small collection of MP3 discs which, like DAISY discs, can hold more content than standard CDs. They do not contain special features such as full-text searching or special navigation. MP3 discs can be played on most computers and other devices that can play audio files.
CELA provides a list of available free software.
