Client Access Support Program

Overview

CELA's Client Access Support program is designed for professionals who require access to CELA's collection in order to assist individuals with print disabilities.

For example, if you work with students (being privately tutored), CNIB clients, residents of seniors' residences or long-term care facilities, or those whose physical disabilities prevent them from manipulating a traditional book you could be eligible to access CELA's alternate format collection on behalf of those you support. A print disability makes it difficult or impossible to read ordinary printed books, and includes visual disabilities, physical disabilities and learning disabilities.

More information about print disabilities

How to sign up for Client Access Support

Register for a library card from a CELA Member Library. Residents of Québec require a card from Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ).
Complete the Client Support Access registration form (PDF).
Return the completed form by email to members@celalibrary.ca
Client Access Support accounts are valid until October 1 of the next year. Accounts approved on or after October 1 will expire on Oct 15 of the following year. We will send you a renewal notice.
Questions? Contact CELA Member Services at 1-855-655-2273 x 2.

Frequently asked questions

How is CELA's Client Access Support program different from the Educator Access Program?

The Educator Access program provides educators in elementary, secondary and post-secondary institutions access to CELA's alternate format collection on behalf of their students with print disabilities. CELA's Client Access Support program enables professionals outside of educational institutions to support people with print disabilities. Recreational and Rehab therapists, tutors and support workers are some of the professionals who may be eligible to access this program. If you have questions about whether you or your client qualifies to use CELA services through this program, please contact us.

Do I sign up for Client Access Support if I’m going to be assisting a family member or friend access their library service?

No. Client Access Support is specifically designed for professionals (personal support workers, staff at seniors’ residences or long-term care facilities, etc.) who work with people with print disabilities in a professional capacity. Those wanting to assist a family member or friend access their library service can be listed as ‘designates’ in the CELA registration form.

What’s included in the CELA Client Access Support program?

The Client Access Support program provides access to CELA's physical format collection including books on CD, and braille books; our online formats such as downloadable DAISY audio or text; and electronic braille files available at celalibrary.ca. As the Supporting Professional, you can access materials on behalf of someone with print disabilities or assist them in learning to use the service independently.

Which devices do CELA books work on?

CELA books may be read on DAISY players, tablets, cell phones and on a computer. The Compatible devices and software page provides a full list of reading options.

How do I receive and return physical materials like braille books?

Visit our Delivery options page for more information about how materials are delivered and returned.

Can I have access to Bookshare with my Client Access Support account?

Access to Bookshare is limited to educational institutions and to individuals with print disabilities who are registered for CELA. If you are working with individuals with print disabilities who want access to Bookshare's online resources, you can assist them in adding the Bookshare membership to their CELA account.

Client access support terms of use

More questions? Phone or email the CELA Contact Centre at help@celalibrary.ca or 1-855-655-2273.