Update: The pilot project has concluded. Read our report on our findings from this pilot project. 

Accessible reading materials have come a long way. Many of our users can remember when the only way to receive new books was through the mail. As technology shifts, we’ve seen exciting new ways of reading and listening to accessible books become available. It’s always been part of our commitment to provide choices in formats and delivery options for our users.

As part of that commitment, we are excited to announce the Expanded Delivery Options Pilot Project. Through this project we will explore new technologies and options for service delivery which will give CELA users additional ways to access the CELA content they love.

This project has been funded through the federal government by a generous grant from Innovation Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). We are grateful for the grant from ISED and their support of our efforts to bring new accessible reading options to our users.

To help us gather information about what options will work best for our users, CELA will be recruiting pilot participants starting in December. Pilot participants will help us test one of three new reading options:

• Envoy Connect: A low cost, easy to use, portable audiobook player which does not require internet connections.
• Fully featured Daisy reader: A prototype of a new player that uses a reloadable device and provides excellent sound quality and large buttons for easy navigation;
• A voice assistant solution which operates using smart speaker technology already available in many homes.

Over the next few weeks, some CELA users can expect phone calls or emails asking them to participate in our pilot project. Participation is completely voluntary but we hope you will help us learn more about how these new options can meet the needs of users like you.

What will we ask of pilot participants?

CELA users who are interested in participating will be asked to read their normal reading materials using one of the devices we are testing. CELA will send the device along with training materials to participants’ homes and adjust their account to receive their regular reading materials in the format required for pilot.

Participants will be able to access additional support through resources on our website and through our Pilot Peer Trainers who have been hired specifically to assist participants.

After an initial trial period, CELA will reach out to participants via phone or email to ask them to complete a short survey. That feedback will be compiled with feedback from other participants and will help us evaluate the various options.

After the pilot program has been completed, participants are able to return to reading their CELA materials using their own devices. Depending on the devices they test, pilot participants may be able to keep the device for their own personal use.

There is no cost to participate in the pilot program.