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Accessibility
We are committed to providing an accessible environment for all our customers. For information regarding accessibility standards and services, please refer to the following documents:
Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA)CELA is a national non-profit organization established by Canadian public libraries to serve customers who have a visual, learning or physical disability that prevents them from reading conventional print. Our partnership with CELA allows our customers access to:
For more information on CELA services, see www.celalibrary.ca. To find out if you are eligible, and to register as a CELA user, please contact: Megan Clare |
TTY ServiceCustomers who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech restricted can contact us using TTY at 1-877-614-4832. |
Resources
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EquipmentAccessible Computer An accessible computer is available at Central Library. Please call 519-743-0271 or TTY: 1-877-614-4832 to make a reservation. Magnify or convert text to speech to search the Internet, check email, and read and write documents with the aid of several popular accessibility tools. Features include:
Trackballs Optima brand trackball that requires far less wrist and arm movement than a standard computer mouse, useful for people with mobility challenges. Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Helps customers with low vision to read, view pictures or see what they are writing. Magnify, highlight, change the contrast of the document, etc. For everything from reading to looking at photos to writing out and signing your cheques. FM System Provides personal hearing assistance when background noise or distance from the sound source makes listening difficult. Ideal for small groups, presentations or one-on-one personal assistance. To request an FM System, contact the library where the meeting or program is taking place at least three days in advance of the event. C-Pen Reader The C-Pen Reader pen scanner is a portable pocket-sized text-to-speech device that reads text aloud with an English, Spanish or French human-like digital voice. The C-Pen reader can be helpful for people with reading difficulties such as dyslexia, for people with some sight loss, and for language learners as well. Click here to borrow a C-Pen Reader Handheld Magnifier Useful at home or on the go, the Explore 5 is a compact electronic magnifier with a 5-inch screen. The image is customizable and you can magnify text up to 22 times. Use it hands-free while reading a book, or adjust is straight out to hold over any object/text you want to magnify. Click here to borrow a Handheld Magnifier Light Therapy Lamps Light therapy lamps have proven successful helping those suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Our #Lightbrary initiative provides seasonal access to light therapy lamps in the library. Lamps are available from October to March, at all Kitchener Public Library locations. Learn more about light therapy lamps |
BorrowingFines Exempt Status People with disabilities may apply to have fine exempt status in accordance with the Circulation policies of the Kitchener Public Library Board.
Talking Books Patron Status People who are unable to read print due to a visual, physical, or learning disability are eligible to apply for Talking Books Status.  Application Form for Talking Books Status |
Magnus Cards
Magnus Cards, created by Magnusmode, are step-by-step skill guides created for people with autism, their families, and educators. Magnusmode provides a proven method of instruction and elements of game design to help people with cognitive needs build valuable life skills, including how to use the library. Download the Magnus Card app |
Have Questions? Contact Us!For further information about accessibility services, please contact: Megan Clare |
