What is a print disability? A print disability is a learning, physical, or visual disability that prevents a person from reading print material. This can be a temporary situation, like surgery, or more permanent. 
More specifically, a print disability can be a:
- Learning disability: An impairment relating to comprehension
- Physical disability: The inability to hold or manipulate a book
- Visual disability: Severe or total impairment of sight or the inability to focus or move one’s eyes
New to our list of resources for those with a print disability is the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA). This reading service provides books and other materials (descriptive videos, etc.) to Canadians with a print disability in the format of their choice. Choose from more than 500,000 professionally produced titles including 50 newspapers and 150 DAISY magazines. Not all titles are available in all formats.
Other resources include the National Network of Equitable Library Service (NNELS). This is a growing collection of downloadable audiobooks and other accessible formats provided for use by persons with print disabilities. They never expire and don’t need to be returned. For more information – ask us or visit this link: http://nnels.ca
Our library collection also has material suitable for this audience. Visit our web catalogue at http://www.valleylibrary.ca to place holds on items that we own. Limit your search results by choosing the desired format from the list on the left hand side. Some examples are: Audiobook CD and Audiobook MP3-CD
You can also use our downloadable eBook and audiobook service through OverDrive. There are more than 13,700 eBooks that can be downloaded and read in extra large print on your computer or eReader. As well, there are more than 1,600 audiobooks to choose from. Download the free software to your computer or the free app to your tablet or phone, and you are all set. These titles do expire after a maximum three week loan. For more information visit this link: https://novascotia-annapolisvalley.overdrive.com/
Using NNELS or CELA require the completion of our Alternative Service Application Form available online or through your local branch.
If you or someone you know would like to use these services but are not comfortable with online technology, we can make selections for you and mail them directly to your home. If you have questions, please give us a call at 1-866-922-0229.
Charlotte Janes, Systems and Collections Access Coordinator