Accessible Collections for Print Disabilities

Cape Breton Regional Library offers several services for people with Print Disabilities.

 A print disability is defined as:

  • Severe or total impairment of sight or the inability to focus or move one’s eyes.
  • The inability to hold or manipulate a book.
  • An impairment relating to comprehension.

Our Library Branches have a wide range of materials in alternate formats including:

 

We are also very pleased to be able to provide access to two specialized online services for print disabilities: CELA and NNELS.

CELA and NNELs users can borrow DAISY CD Players or Digital Daisy Players from the library.

 

CELA and NNELS

As a Library member with a print disability, you can register to borrow accessible items from the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) and National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS).

 

CELA

The CELA Collection includes more than 450,000 items on a range of subjects and genres for all ages—all professionally-produced for people with print disabilities. There are French and English options, and a special focus on Canadian titles and First Nations literature.

Eligibility

You are eligible to borrow from the CELA Collection, if you’re a Library member with a print disability and you live within Cape Breton or Victoria County.

Registration

You can register by visiting us in person at any of our locations and self-identifying as a person with a print disability. You can also self-register online, but you’ll still need to have your library card number. CELA will confirm your registration and give you access to the collection within 5 business days. Proof of disability (CNIB card or doctor’s note) is required to access some of CELA’s collections.

How it works

Once you’re registered for CELA, you can borrow items designed specifically for people with print disabilities including:

  • Books
  • Magazines
  • Newspapers
  • Described videos

Most CELA Collection titles can be downloaded. You can read using DAISY-formatted audio, e-Text, described videos, and braille. You can read more about compatible devices and software on the CELA website.

Our Direct-to-Player service allows for automatic downloading of titles to apps available on iOS and Android devices, as well as WiFi enabled DAISY reading devices.

CELA also offers their own home delivery service for some of the physical item in their collection.

If you have questions or need support, call any of our locations or CELA at 1-855-655-2273.

NNELS

NNELS is a growing collection of downloadable audiobooks and other accessible formats available for people with print disabilities.

NNELS titles can be used on a wide variety of devices, including computers/ laptops, iPads, iPhones, Android devices, MP3 players, DAISY readers, and can also be burned on to CDs.

Cape Breton Regional Library already has made many NNELS titles available on DAISY-CDs, find out what is currently available on DAISY-CDs.

For more titles registered users can log into the NNELS website to see all NNELS titles.

 

Required Forms
One of the following forms must be printed, completed, and returned to a library branch to be able to borrow NNELS material.

Competent Authority Form ; or

Self-declaration Eligibility Form

Help and Troubleshooting Guides

View Tutorials on the NNELS website  for instructions on how to download books and transfer them to compatible devices such as DAISY CD players or digital players like the Victor Stream.