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CELAPublic library services for Canadians with print disabilities

Centre for Equitable Library Access
Public library service for Canadians with print disabilities

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  1. Home
  2. Child and Teen Library Accessibility Interest Group
  3. Resources supporting kids and teens with disabilities

Accessible library programming for kids and teens

Five tips towards inclusive programming for kids and teens

The Child & Teen Library Interest Group consists of library staff who are committed to and passionate about accessible library services. Here are five tips they recommend to make your programs welcoming to families with disabilities. For more tips, you can also consult CELA's Accessible crafts and activities resource guide.

1. Promote accessibility. Make marketing and promotional materials accessible by following guidelines such as WebAIM: Typefaces and fonts. Use large text, clear fonts and leave ample white space around important information. Include the details of a program or service’s accessibility features in all promotions, as well as contact information for participants to request other accommodations.

2. Prepare for accommodations. Adapt activities to meet the participants’ needs by using accessible materials such as larger craft supplies and adapted writing implements. Engage multiple senses by adding tactile and sound elements. Provide training to staff or volunteers on interacting with people with varying types of disabilities.

3. Provide a safe physical space. Keep areas clear of tripping hazards and aisles wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs. As much as possible, allow participants’ to self-select a seating location that meets their needs. For example, children that are hard of hearing may want to sit close to the presenter while children uncomfortable in crowds may want to sit further away.

4. Offer instructions in multiple ways and formats. During activities, give specific and concise instructions, one step at a time. Wherever relevant, include visual instructions, such as in-progress examples of a craft. When reading a story, describe any pictures that are not explained by the text.

5. Community Outreach. Reach out to relevant community organizations, schools, and parent/caregiver groups. Embrace the disability community’s “Nothing about us, without us” approach and allow community members to speak for themselves. Consult people with disabilities about the types of programs and services they want, and how the library can best meet their accessibility needs.

Learn about accessible programming

Programming spaces

Literacy and disabilities

Accessible storytimes

Adapting activities

Crafts and activities

Programming spaces

Whether your program takes place inside the library or outdoors, here are some tips to make your programming spaces safe and accessible:

  • What is universal design? 7 design principles
  • ADA Library accessibility checklist
  • Disability accessibility in the school library
  • Removing barriers for people with environmental disabilities
  • Planning accessible events
  • Accessible festivals and events guide
Child wearing glasses

Literacy and disabilities

For kids and teens with disabilities, learning to read and developing literacy skills is a journey that goes beyond learning just letters, numbers and words.  These resources provide a wholistic view of developing literacy by discussing the environment, adaptive techniques and support to nurture lifelong readers who use a variety of formats.

  • Early literacy and students with multiple disabilities
  • Get practical ideas for building language (augementative and alternative communication)
  • Dogs and Pigs and Birds, Oh my! A bevy of animals serve as partners in literacy
  • Why Braille = Literacy
  • Adapting books for children who are blind or visually impaired
  • Recommending books for kids with low vision
Girl reading on tablet

Accessible storytimes

Whether you are planning a sensory storytime or want to adapt your other storytimes, learn more about how you can make your programs accessible for participants with disabilities.

  • Virtual storytime services guide: Serving diverse families and children
  • Sensory storytimes! Videos
  • Sensory story time: How-to guides

Adapting activities

Any activity can be modified by using creativity, consideration and careful planning.  

  • Adapt and accommodate
  • Adapting sports and games (Coach Corner)
  • Autism Resource Centre
  • Accessibility Guidelines for Sensory Loss (Deafblind Ontario Services)

Crafts and activities

Adapting the crafts and games you offer to all your patrons will create an inclusive environment for families with kids and teens of all abilities. 

Accessible libraries: crafts and activities resource guide (PDF)

More resources:

  • 10 easy crafts for kids with motor disabilities
  • 12 easy tips for accessible preschool arts and crafts for kids who are blind or visually impaired
  • Online activity videos for children with disabilities
Child sitting at table with paper, crayons and pens

FAQ

Which devices can I use to read books and magazines from CELA?

Answer: CELA books and magazines work with many popular accessible reading devices and apps. Find out more on ourCompatible devices and formats page.

Go to Frequently Asked Questions page

About us

The Centre for Equitable Library Access, CELA, is an accessible library service, providing books and other materials to Canadians with print disabilities.

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Email us at help@celalibrary.ca or call us at 1-855-655-2273 for support.

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