Title: I Belong at My Library Too! Creating Accessible Library Services for Children with Disabilities
Description: We all want our public libraries to feel welcoming to our community members, but how do we structure our spaces, programs and collections to be inviting to kids with disabilities and their families? This interactive session will inspire participants to adapt the current way they plan, promote and deliver their programs, collections and services to accommodate patrons with different disabilities and their reading needs.
Through guided activities, the audience will discover that developing accessible and inclusive services is achievable and affordable, and that they should never feel they are alone! Through collaborating with local community organizations, as well as by using existing library supports such as the Public Library Accessibility Resource Centre (PLARC), NNELS, CELA and accessibility tips through the BC Summer Reading Club, libraries can navigate the accessibility world together and make children with disabilities feel they belong at the library. This session’s speakers will be from both CELA and NNELS. With over 10 years experience each in the accessible library field, including supporting access to children’s books in accessible formats, the speakers will share their strengths and passion for inclusive library services.
Slides and Activity Sheets Google Doc folder
When: Wednesday, May 20th at 10am-11am Pacific on Zoom
Who should attend: All library workers, especially Children’s & Youth library staff and programmers
Register Today!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: Jessica Desormeaux (CELA) and Megan Sellmer (NNELS)