Accessible Reading Canada is a voice-activated application that lets CELA users listen to CELA audiobooks through Alexa-enabled smart speakers.

Users must have an Amazon account as well as an Alexa-enabled smart speaker to use this app. Through this Alexa app, known as a "skill", patrons can use voice commands to search, browse, and listen to audiobooks from CELA.

Alexa Smart Speaker 

Alexa-enabled smart speakers are devices, primarily from Amazon, that combine a speaker with Amazon's virtual assistant, Alexa. These speakers allow users to control various functions and interact with Alexa using voice commands. There are many different kinds of Alexa-enabled devices. These speakers are usually referred to as “Echo” devices.

Alexa Skills

Alexa skills are voice-activated apps that add new functionalities to an Alexa-enabled device. Accessible Reading Canada is a free Alexa skill that is available in English and French (as Lecture Accessible Canada).

Here is everything you’ll need to get started with Accessible Reading Canada.

CELA account

If you have not done so already, register for CELA service. People with print disabilities living in Canada are eligible to use CELA.

Amazon.ca Account

Accessible Reading Canada will only connect to Amazon accounts created from the Amazon Canada website. The skill is not compatible with accounts from other regions, such as Amazon.com.

Alexa Smart Speaker

Accessible Reading Canada only works with single language setup. Your speaker must be configured to use either English or French, not English/French or French/English.

Internet Connection

Most of Alexa’s functions, including the Accessible Reading Canada skill, need a Wi-Fi internet connection to function.

These instructions assume that you have already configured your Alexa speaker. For more information on setting up your device, see the Amazon help page.

User Guide 

This is a comprehensive user guide to connect an Alexa-enabled smart speaker to Accessible Reading Canada and start reading audiobooks from CELA. It is available in multiple formats.

• Online Version
• Microsoft Word (.docx)
• PDF

Command List

This list details the menu items and the command phrases available in the Accessible Reading Canada skill. A command phrase is a specific word or group of words used to request something to your smart speaker. Your smart speaker is programmed to understand these specific commands. The list is available in multiple formats.

• Online Version
• Microsoft Word (.docx)
• PDF

These video tutorials and demos provide an overview of the Accessible Reading Canada skill, including how to link your CELA account to your Amazon account and what menu option are available in the skill. These instructions assume that you have already configured your Alexa speaker. For more information on setting up your device, see the Amazon help page.

How to manually enable the ARC skill 

These are instructions for linking your CELA account to your Amazon account.

• Video Tutorial (YouTube)
• Transcript for Video Tutorial (.docx)
• Demo with Screen Reader (YouTube)
• Transcript for Demo (.docx)

Command List Walkthrough  

These instructions demonstrate the menu items and the command phrases available in the Accessible Reading Canada skill. A command phrase is a specific word or group of words used to request something to your smart speaker. Your smart speaker is programmed to understand these specific commands.

• Video Tutorial (YouTube)
• Transcript for Video Tutorial (.docx)
• Audio Demo (.mp3)
• Transcript for Audio Demo (.docx)

The Accessible Reading Canada skill is a voice-activated service that works with an Alexa-enabled smart speaker. In order to use this skill, you must have an Amazon account and agree to Amazon's terms of service and privacy policy. 

To provide the personalized voice command service through Alexa, some information about your use of Accessible Reading Canada skill is available to Amazon, primarily information about the CELA audiobooks you access through this service, including your search results and books on your Direct to Player Bookshelf.  

This information is shared solely to enable the Alexa device to present information from CELA to you and play books as requested. CELA does not share any additional personal information with Amazon beyond what is necessary to provide this functionality. 

Since this skill operates on Amazon’s platform, all voice commands and interactions are governed by Amazon’s privacy practices. Users are encouraged to review Amazon's Privacy Notice for Alexa Devices to understand how Amazon collects, uses, and stores voice data and other information processed through Alexa.

Is Accessible Reading Canada available for other brands of smart speakers?

Currently, Accessible Reading Canada is only available for Alexa-enabled smart speakers, but this may change in the future.

Can I still use Alexa while listening to an audiobook?

Yes, even during playback, you can still use other Alexa functions. For example, if you ask Alexa about the weather or to set a timer, the playback will be paused while Alexa responds to your prompt. Playback will continue after the interaction has been completed. However, prompting Alexa to start playing audio from another app (e.g. playing music from Spotify or launching a news app), will exit playback of the audiobook and you will have to relaunch Accessible Reading Canada to continue playing the audiobook.

I can't use the command phrases to navigate the skill. Why won’t Alexa listen to my commands?

Remember to speak clearly when using the commands. Alexa will only respond to commands phrases listed in the Command List, but Alexa cannot hear commands while they’re still speaking. Try waiting a few seconds after Alexa finishes giving instructions, then use the command phrase. You can also interrupt Alexa while they’re speaking by using your smart speaker’s wake word before each command. For example, “Alexa, Next” or “Alexa, Bookshelf.”

Can I use Accessible Reading Canada on multiple Alexa speakers?

Yes, as long as your CELA account is linked to the Alexa-enabled smart speakers, the skill will sync place in the audiobook between smart speakers. So, you could start reading a book on one speaker, then continue where you left off on another speaker.

Can I manage my CELA audiobooks on my Direct to Player (D2P) Bookshelf through the skill?

CELA audiobooks can't be added or removed from your D2P Bookshelf using the Accessible Reading Canada app. Titles will not be removed from your Bookshelf automatically once you complete an audiobook. You can manage your bookshelf by logging into the CELA website or by contacting CELA at help@celalibrary.ca or calling 1-855-655-2273.

Can I change the order of books on my bookshelf?

Books are ordered by when they were added to the bookshelf, from most recent to oldest.  You cannot re-order, add, or remove titles via the skill. However, audiobooks that have never been added to your Direct to Player bookshelf and were instead searched and played exclusively using the skill will appear in the “History” section of the CELA website and in the “Books in Progress” menu of the skill. To manage your bookshelf, including adding or removing books, visit the CELA website or contact CELA at help@celalibrary.ca or calling 1-855-655-2273.

Is the skill available for devices other than speakers, such as Fire TVs?

The Accessible Reading Canada skill is only available on Alexa-enabled smart speakers.

Are all audiobooks available through the skill?

All CELA human-narrated audiobooks are available on the skill, however any audiobooks from Bookshare, magazines, and titles in text formats such as DAISY text are not included.

Why can't I listen to summaries of books on my Bookshelf in the skill?

Book summaries are available from every list, except for the “Bookshelf”. If you want to hear a summary of a title already on your bookshelf, you can search for the book in the skill or visit www.celalibrary.ca to browse the summaries of books on your bookshelf. The skill will read the same summary for the book as the summary found in the CELA catalogue.

When I try to resume a book in progress, the book starts from the beginning. How do I resume an audiobook from where I left off?

Opening books from the “Bookshelf” menu will start or restart an audiobook from the beginning. To resume a book you have already started, open the book from the “Books in Progress” menu. When you launch the Accessible Reading Canada skill on your smart speaker, you will automatically enter the main menu of the skill and Alexa will ask if you want to “resume your most recent book in progress.” Say “Resume” to access the book most recently listened to in the skill. Or, say “Books in Progress” to hear the list of books in your “Books in Progress” list. You can navigate this list by saying “Next” or “Previous.” Once you’ve navigated to the book you want to resume, say “Read” or “Start Reading” to pick up where you left off.

Can I use Accessible Reading Canada if I set up automatic selection?

You can still use Accessible Reading Canada with automatic selection. However, since there is no way to remove books through the skill, you will need to remove the books manually from your account on the CELA website or get in touch with our contact centre to remove titles after reaching the 12-book limit.

Where can I get an Alexa-enabled smart speaker?

Alexa-enabled smart speakers can be purchased at many electronics retailers (e.g. Best Buy, Staples, Walmart, etc.) as well as the Amazon Canada website.

My book only plays the first chapter or track, then stops and won’t go forward. What’s wrong?

The Accessible Reading Canada skill only works when the smart speaker is configured for a single language. Go to your Alexa app, check your smart speaker language settings and make sure it is set to only French or only English.

Can libraries loan Alexa devices to patrons with print disabilities so they can use Accessible Reading Canada?

 Yes, it is possible to loan Alexa devices to patrons so they can try this service. The smart speaker needs to be connected to a user’s Amazon account and Wi-Fi to function, so there are a number of steps that the patron and library staff will need to complete to use the device and then remove personal information before loaning to another patron.

We think that eligible patrons may appreciate the opportunity to try the Accessible Reading Canada skill before they buy one for themselves. There are a number of set up steps that the patron will need to complete at home, and which may be challenging for some. We recommend explaining the set-up procedures before loaning.

Alexa devices can be loaned to any patron. Only patrons with print disabilities may use the Accessible Reading Canada skill.

Google smart speaker devices do not work with Accessible Reading Canada at this time.

Webinars

Register for a live webinar to learn more about Accessible Reading Canada.

Amazon Help

For questions about your smart speaker, the Alexa app or website, or privacy inquiries, including setting up your Alexa device, please contact Amazon Help.

Amazon Alexa Accessibility Help

• Help Page
• Email: accessibility@amazon.com
• Phone: 1-888-283-1678

Amazon Privacy Policy for Echo Devices

• Help Page

CELA Contact Centre

For help with the Accessible Reading Canada skill, your CELA service, reporting issues and general feedback, please contact our Contact Centre. 

• Email: help@celalibrary.ca
• Phone: 1-855-655-2273