A woman in her 60s reading in her living room on a tablet

Accessible Collections

Explore our Accessible Collections, offering a wide range of formats and features to ensure access to materials for all.

Accessible Reading & Watching

Large Print

Enjoy classics and new releases, specially formatted with a larger text size than typical print.
eBooks & eAudiobooks

Online reading through platforms like downloadLibrary/ Libby allow custom settings including dyslexic font, high contrast options and font size.
Dementia-Friendly Books

Clear, simple language and engaging visuals provide meaningful reading experiences for individuals living with dementia.
DVDs

Many of our DVDs come with closed captioning and described video options.
CD Audiobooks (Recorded Books)

Listen to fiction and non-fiction books on CD with Recorded Books.
Magazines & Newspapers

Many of our online magazine & newspaper platforms have listen options, zoom functionality and accessibility modes.
Dyslexic Font & Decodable Books

Featuring specialized font and content to support individuals with dyslexia, decodable books help develop an understanding of reliable patterns in written language.
Kanopy

Stream movies, documentaries, TV shows and more with closed captioning in many languages.

Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA)

We offer customers with print disabilities access to a comprehensive collection of over 800,000 items through the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA). This bilingual collection encompasses fiction and non-fiction materials in audio, e-text, Braille, and described video formats, catering to readers of all ages. Membership with CELA is open to individuals with temporary or permanent print disabilities, including those with learning, physical, or visual impairments. Registered members can conveniently access materials through mail delivery or by downloading digital formats directly from the CELA website to their preferred devices. 

If you are a Waterloo resident with a print disability and would like to find out more about CELA, please contact us at 519-886-1310 or email askus@wpl.ca. 

Accessible Devices

Customers with a CELA membership account can borrow three different devices to access CELA materials. 

  • Daisy Victor Stratus Player
    Daisy Player and 10 CD-based audiobooks sitting on a table at the library.

    Borrow a Daisy Player and 10 CD-based audiobooks as a kit. All book selections included in a kit are based on a theme or genre.

    For more information from CELA on using a Stratus4M Daisy Player, watch this video tutorial.

  • Daisy Victor Reader Stream
    Close up of hand holding a Victor Reader Stream device in front of shelves of books.

    Borrow a Victor Reader Stream to stream eAudiobooks from CELA or other sources, like downloadLibary.

    For more information from CELA on using a Victor Reader Stream, watch this video tutorial.

  • Envoy Connect Player
    A close up of a hand holding an Envoy Connect player in front of a plant.

    Borrow an Envoy Connect, pre-loaded with 10 e-audiobooks. All preloaded selections are based on a theme or genre.

    For more information from CELA on using a Victor Reader Stream, watch this video tutorial.

Close up of blind man reading book in braille

National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS)

The National Network for Equitable Library Service, also known as NNELS, provides services and collections to users throughout Canada.

In Ontario, NNELS provides online access to downloadable content for people with print disabilities including vision, mobility, and comprehension impairments that prevent them from being able to read a print book.

To apply for an account, visit the NNELS Sign Up page. Note that you will need a Waterloo Public Library card and email address to complete this form. If you don’t have a library card or need help filling out the request for access, please contact us at 519-886-1310 or email askus@wpl.ca. 

Refer to the logging into NNELS page on the NNELS website for more information on requesting access to NNELS downloadable content.

For hardcopy braille books from the NNELS Distributed Braille Collection, visit any WPL location or call 519-886-1310 to initiate an interlibrary loan request for a specific title in the collection. 

Accessibility Features in our Online Resources

Experience inclusive accessibility features across our online resources. From visual contrast and dyslexic font, to closed captioning, and auditory ‘read to me’ options, many of our online resources have integrated Accessibility features to help individuals engage with content comfortably. Our Online Resources include websites, apps and software for reading, learning, research and more.

View Online Resources

Accessibility at WPL

We are committed to ensuring accessibility for all members of our community. From adhering to AODA standards to providing a range of accessible formats and assistive technologies, we strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone can fully participate and benefit from our services.

Learn More