We are pleased to share CELA’s Strategic Priorities (July 2022 – March 2024) with you. Building on the previous strategic plan from 2017-2021, the Strategic Priorities document outlines 5 areas of focus and supports a collaborative and inclusive approach.

While our mission remains the same - to support public libraries in the provision of accessible collections for Canadians with print disabilities and to champion the fundamental right of Canadians with print disabilities to access media and reading materials in the format of their choice - our updated priorities will allow us to grow and expand our work over the next two years.

We invite you to read the document and the explanatory letter from our Board Chair and Executive Director and we thank all who provided feedback and contributed to the development of these strategic priorities.

CELA’s Strategic Priorities (July 2022 – March 2024)

Leverage Advances in Digital Technology

• Continually improve and innovate on the accessible reading experience for users on a variety of devices and platforms
• Enhance the user experience by incorporating usability and accessible design principles in all aspects of service
• Emphasize ease of use by facilitating discovery of titles from search through to delivery

Grow a Robust Equitable & Accessible Collection Emphasizing Format Choice

• Advance collaborative and sustainable systems-based solutions to grow the depth and breadth of our collection in multiple formats, including audio, braille and text, that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve
• Expand our content partnerships with publishers, distributors, and other related organizations
• Grow our exchange agreements nationally and internationally to increase the range of titles, languages and formats available both to readers in Canada and across the globe

Champion Excellence in Accessibility

• Broaden support to public library staff to foster accessibility in all aspects of service
• Help public libraries better support their community by providing direct training and support to both library staff and users with print disabilities
• Build awareness of our services by growing our reach to people with print disabilities, educators and other professionals

Strengthen Relationships with Partners Related to the Equitable Reading Ecosystem

• Consult with and value expertise from those who have lived experience with disabilities, including an intersectional approach, to ensure an inclusive and equitable service
• Expand and nurture partnerships with stakeholders and organizations across the equitable reading ecosystem
• Collaborate with partners on creating a sustainable national vision for equitable access to reading

Build an Inclusive and Diverse Organization

• Integrate inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility in all areas of the organization, both internally and externally
• Embrace and commit to respectful relations with Indigenous peoples through acts of truth and reconciliation
• Invest in our staff to offer exceptional service and expertise in accessible reading services
   

Strategic Priorities Document and Letter from Board Chair and Executive Director (Word document) 

Strategic Priorities Document and Letter from Board Chair and Executive Director (PDF)