New TD Summer Reading Club Accessibility Resources for Libraries and Families

Your summer reading clubs have begun and you’re ready to welcome kids and their families to your libraries. There are many resources on the TD Summer Reading Club site to help you offer an inclusive program for kids with disabilities.

Support for families

The Accessibility page has a new look to provide families with thorough information about how the club is accessible. Parents will discover articles relating to building literacy skills for readers with different disabilities. They will also find downloadable versions of the pre-school and school-age notebooks in audio, braille, large print and OpenDyslexic font. Refer parents to these links so they can help their children listen to and read the notebook content in the format of their choice.

Parents are encouraged to visit their local public library and ask about the many accessible resources they offer, including

·       audio, e-text and other alternate reading formats

·       specialized programming like sensory storytimes

·       access to collections through the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) and the National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS)

Resources for library staff

The Make Sure Your TD Summer Reading Club is Accessible! tips sheet is back again on the Plan for Accessibility page of the staff site. This flyer contains guidelines on how to make your communications and programs accessible not only for the summer, but year round. The Plan for Accessibility page also supports all of your library’s club activities by giving you

·       information on how audio reading benefits early literacy development

·       information on accessible library services

·       tips on how to plan and deliver accessible activities

Wait, there’s more!

You will find many more accessible elements this year, which aligns with the club’s inclusive approach for the whole program.

·       Web Comic: Listen to the audio transcript of the story

·       Books: Find a link to the books for readers with print disabilities through the Centre for Equitable Library Access, CELA.

·       Activities on the staff site: Each activity includes suggestions on how to accommodate participants with disabilities

·       Battle of the Books: Find audio and e-text versions of many titles through CELA

·       StoryWalk®: Each panel includes a QR code with an audio narration of the text

You’re all set to offer an accessible TD Summer Reading Club program! By considering the different ways that people use your library spaces and collections and participate in your programs, you are increasing the number of people who will use your library and inviting your whole community to join in the fun.