Title: Navigating Toward Better Accessibility in Audiobooks
Description: Audiobook usage in libraries and commercially in Canada is growing quickly, and more and more titles are produced in audio. Many readers love the flexibility audiobooks offer, and the format is often assumed to be inherently accessible. Accessibility is a direction, not a fixed destination, and this session will explore several initiatives aimed at making audiobooks even better for all readers. We will explore and demonstrate new accessible audiobook player options for readers with print disabilities which are designed to be affordable and usable by less tech-savvy readers.
We will also explore the opportunity Artificial Intelligence offers to create more accessible audiobooks and discuss our practical experience with the process and results. Lastly, we’ll share the results of a collaborative project aimed at learning about the user experience with accessible audiobooks from readers with and without disabilities. All these initiatives highlight the value of including people with lived experience with disabilities in projects and service and technology planning.
When: Wednesday, March 25th at 10am – 11am PST
Register Today!Who should attend: All library workers
Cost: We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, which enables us to offer this accessibility event free of charge.
Presenters: Simon Jaeger (Accessibility expert, National Network for Equitable Library Service) and Ioana Gandrabur (Peer trainer, Centre for Equitable Library Access)