Choosing the right reading technology

Overview and on this page

This guide is intended for designates of CELA users, library staff, educators, other professionals and anyone else who supports a person with a print disability. If someone you are supporting is getting started with accessible reading technologies, this guide will help you determine the best reading solution based on various factors, such as comfort with technology, internet access, type of print disability and more. 

On this page

Questions to ask to discover the best reading option

These are some suggested questions to ask the person with a print disability to help them to find the best reading option.

  • What makes reading print difficult for you?
    • Some may resist the idea that they have a print disability and need to read in different formats, such as audiobooks 
      • Explain that the goal of using CELA and accessible reading technology is meant to make it easier to read.
        • You could say: “I’m hearing that you are having difficulties with [describe the person’s difficulty] when reading. CELA has books in [audio or e-text or both] format, which may work better for you. Would you be interested in trying that out?”
      • Reframe using CELA as empowerment rather than compensating for a disability.
        • You could say: “CELA has more books and magazines in formats other than print than [local library] does, so using their services will let you read more.”
  • What is your experience with technology? 
  • Did you previously receive audiobooks on CD from CELA? 
  • Do you like to use your vision when reading?
  • Are you comfortable with a tablet, smartphone, smart speaker or computer?
  • Would you be interested in learning to use one of these mainstream devices (i.e., tablet, smartphone, smart speaker or computer)? 
    • You could say: “This might open other doors to information and communication.”
  • Do you have internet access?
    • We have indicated which devices need and do not need internet access in the New CELA users section.
  • Would you prefer to find something simple and built with accessibility in mind? 
    • Explore affordability of various options or ability to get funding or borrow such devices.
  • Do you want a larger, louder device, or is portability a priority?
    • Humanware Stratus players are large and loud but not very portable.
    • Humanware Stream players are smaller, handheld devices that are easily portable with a quality built-in speaker.
    • Envoy Connect is small, lightweight and affordable with a decent built-in speaker, but the audio quality is not as high as on Humanware devices. 
  • Do you want a device with buttons that are easy to press?
    • Humanware Stratus players have large buttons in contrasting colours.
    • Humanware Stream players have smaller but distinguishable buttons.
    • Envoy Connect players are lightweight and have tactile buttons and may be more difficult to use for someone with dexterity issues or a tremor in their hands.
  • Do you want to read in braille?
    • CELA offers both embossed braille (paper copy) and electronic braille
      • Embossed braille is delivered by mail.
      • Electronic braille is in BRF format and can be downloaded on a computer or mobile device, then transferred to a braille display.

CELA users transitioning from CD delivery

  • If a patron already uses a DAISY player from Humanware, such as Stratus 4M or 12M, and has internet access, they may continue using the same device by connecting the player to their local Wi-Fi connection. For steps to configure it to connect to a CELA library account and download books, see our Stratus4 M guide. 
    Tip: explain that configuring their player is a one-time step and the person can receive books directly to their player each day.
  • If the person was using a Discman (portable CD player) or other mainstream CD player and does not want to switch technology, CELA books can be downloaded to a computer and burned to a CD. Follow the instructions on our How to burn a CELA DAISY audiobook or magazine to a CD tutorial. Note that that these CDs, like all content from CELA, may only be used by people with print disabilities. 
  • Check with local public libraries if they have CELA CDs in their collection or can burn them.
  • If the person is open to obtaining and using a new device, visit the scenarios for new users.

New CELA users

For each device listed below, we will outline scenarios for users with and without internet.

Envoy Connect

A low-cost, portable device that plays audio content only, no text format. It offers basic navigation options. It is available to purchase from CNIB Smartlife.

  • With internet access
    • Envoy Connect can be loaded by connecting to PC and downloading a free software from CELA’s site for Windows. Visit our Envoy Connect and CELA Connect page for more information.
  • If no internet access or the person needs help loading books
    • Envoy Connect devices can be mailed to CELA for free. CELA will load new content and mail it back to patrons. To mail it back, put the device into the envelope included in the package when you bought your player.

DAISY players from Humanware

Either Stratus 4M or 12M if the person intends to use CDs from other sources than CELA, or Stream for a portable solution. They play content in both audio and text format. Text format is played using text-to-speech technology. DAISY players are available from the manufacturer Humanware and from CNIB Smartlife.

  • With Wi-Fi internet access
    • All Humanware devices can now connect to a wireless network, and CELA books from the CELA user’s Direct to Player bookshelf can be automatically downloaded. 
  • If no internet access
    • Someone with internet access can load the titles on an SD card. Once inserted into the player, the titles can be read from there. Books can be loaded directly from a computer onto a Stream device. 
    • Alternatively, one can bring the player to a location with Wi-Fi access and download the titles there. Playback does not require internet access once the titles are loaded. This is less ideal since the download may be slow and the setup of the player is more involved.

Tablet, smartphone or computer 

Use the free EasyReader app available for all mobile platforms and for PC. It is also available on Mac computers by paying for the Premium version. Books and magazines can be read in both audio and text formats. It offers enlarged font, customisable line spacing and many other visual adaptations. Advanced navigation and playback options are also available.

  • With Wi-Fi internet access 
  • No Wi-Fi internet access, 
    • The best alternative is to bring the device to a location with Wi-Fi, such as a library, and load the books there. Playback does not require internet access once the titles have been downloaded.

Smart speaker 

If comfortable using a smart speaker or issuing voice commands to control devices, use the Accessible Reading Canada skill for Amazon devices.

  • Internet Wi-Fi access is required.
  • Multiple speaker options are compatible, from headphones, to simple low-cost speakers, to high-quality larger speakers.
  • Only works with books from CELA in human-narrated audio. Books from the Bookshare collection are not available. 
  • Offers basic navigation and no options to delete books from bookshelf.

For more help

To get more support choosing and using reading devices, CELA users, designates of CELA users, educators and other professionals can reach out to our Contact Centre:

Library staff can contact Member Services: