National AccessAbility Week: Forward Together

May 26 to June 1, marks National AccessAbility Week, where we recognize the valuable contributions and leadership of Canadians with disabilities, the work of allies, organizations and communities that are removing barriers, and the ongoing efforts to become a more accessible and disability inclusive community.

Here at OPL, the library is committed to equitable access and providing a safe and welcoming space for all.

This year's theme is "Forward Together: Accessibility and Inclusion for All," emphasizing the need for collective efforts to create a barrier-free Canada.

Listed below are supportive services and resources available through OPL.

Accessible Services

*NEW* Cognitive Care Kits: To support those living with dementia in Oakville and their caregivers, OPL offers Cognitive Care Kits to borrow. There are three types of kits available focusing on early, mid and late-stage care. Each kit is designed to promote cognitive function using games, puzzles, and sensory supports. The kits aim to engage people in brain-stimulating activities while fostering social connections. Browse through currently available kits in our catalogue. 

Delivery by Mail: Life circumstances may mean you are unable to come into the library in person. If so, you may be eligible for OPL’s Delivery by Mail option. Each month, qualifying customers may receive up to two (2) packages containing a maximum of two (2) items. Contact us by email or call your local branch to find out if you or someone you know qualifies for this service.

CELA services: CELA is the Centre for Equitable Library Access; it exists to assist Canadians with various print disabilities. 

  • Books, magazines, and newspapers are available and can be accessed in audio, digital text, or braille format depending on the title. 
  • CELA users with proof of disability may also access the Bookshare collection, a US-based database with over 1 million titles available (in e-text and e-braille formats, computer-generated audio available).

OPL staff are available to offer information about CELA’s resources, assist with the CELA sign-up process, or with accessing CELA material itself using our Connection Kits. 

Picks For You: Staff will pre-select a bag of materials (up to 5 items) or curate a custom booklist (of up to 8 titles) to suit a customer’s expressed preferences. This service is available at all branches by filling out an online form or by phoning if needed.

Connection Kits (Accessible Tablets): OPL offers special tablets designed to offer internet access and assist with the delivery of alternative reading materials. In addition to a small selection of library resources such as CloudLibrary and Hoopla, accessible tablets feature the Dolphin EasyReader app and the Homer audio player (the latter of which features a kiosk mode designed for easier navigation for sight-impaired or hearing-impaired users). Materials are pre-downloaded to the tablets by staff according to customer requests. Available through all branches. 

MagnusCards: An app is designed to help individuals with autism or other special needs interact independently and with confidence in the Oakville community. Users can follow guides to library services by downloading the app for free through the App Store or on Google Play stores. 

Reading Aids

  • ZoomText: A special software which allows you to view the library catalogue or internet in large print. Available at Central and Woodside branches. 
  • Smartview: A magnifier which enhances all reading materials. Available at Woodside Branch, please call ahead if interested in using this tool. 
  • Kurzweil Reading Machine: A machine that will scan, magnify, and read printed text aloud to you using a special software. Available at our Central and Woodside branches; please call Woodside Branch to book for use.

Accessible website features: Oakville Public Library’s website is enabled with various accessible functions (ex. magnification, translation, auto-generated picture descriptions, and text-to-speech) using a service called ReachDeck (meaning no additional software or add-ons are necessary to render our site accessible). Additionally, our library catalogue also allows for searches which filter library materials by their different accessible formats. 

Accessible Collections

Large print books: Fiction and non-fiction books. Available at all branches. Search our catalogue and place your holds.

Audiobooks: Fiction and non-fiction. Available in CD format as well as electronic format (through digital resources like CloudLibrary or Hoopla Digital). 

DAISY discs: Fiction and non-fiction digital talking books, disc format specific to accessible DAISY disc compatible readers. Available at Woodside Branch. 

Victor Readers (also known as DAISY players): DAISY players can play audio CDs, mp3 files, and DAISY audio books. Available at Woodside Branch.
 

Related Information 

Reading Lists

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