Subject Guides: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in Libraries: Accessibility

On-Demand Training

Project ENABLE
Free self-paced training explaining disability awareness, ADA requirements, and how to make library services more accessible. Also contains a module about autism and train-the-trainer curriculum.
My ADA Learning
Online courses to build an understanding of ADA law (Americans with Disabilities Act) and how Title II applies to state and local governments, including public libraries. There is a $5.00 charge to access a course.
Office for Civil Rights Accessibility Video Series
Concise videos explaining digital accessibility, legal requirements, and how it affects people with disabilities.
Autism-Ready Libraries
Self-paced training addressing autism acceptance and inclusion, customer services practices for families with autistic children, and how to provide autism-inclusive early literacy services and programs.

Working with People with Disabilities

Disability Etiquette - United Spinal Association
Videos and PDF with tips on interacting with people with disabilities, divided into major disability types
Disability Language Style Guide
Glossary of terms related to disability, with explanations of outdated and harmful terms and suggestions for more affirming language.
Library Services for People with Disabilities Policy (ASGCLA)
Policy adopted by the ALA Council in 2001 that serves as a model for actions libraries should take to include people with disabilities.
Working with Deaf Patrons
Communication tips from Gallaudet University Library
Disability Resource Guide (ALA Carnegie-Whitney Grant Project)
A good starting point to learn about a specific disability type, with resources including books, media, and assistive technology.

Digital Accessibility

Tools and guidelines to make information shared online accessible, whether it is through the library's website, social media, multimedia, emails, or other platforms. These tools can also be useful for printed materials such as flyers and brochures.

Contrast Checker - online tool
This tool allows you to select colors of text and background to see if it has sufficient color contrast.
PlainLanguage.gov
Guidelines for writing text that is easy for the public to read and understand. Plain language benefits everyone, but is especially helpful for language learners and people with certain disabilities.
Readibility Testing Tool
Tests the reading level of your text.
Ultimate Guide to Closed Captioning (3PlayMedia)
Explains types of captioning, formats, legal requirements, and more.
W3 Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI)
Strategies, guidelines, resources to make the Web accessible to people with disabilities
WAVE browser extension
Automated scan of websites that reports errors and accessibility issues. Note that an automated scan cannot detect many errors, but it is a good starting point.
WebAim: Web Accessibility In Mind
General information about web accessibility, checklists, and evaluations tools
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1
Standard for web content accessibility that is used internationally, adopted in 2018 by W3C.
Section 508
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires federal agencies to make their information technology accessible to people with disabilities. The Section 508 website contains training on legal requirements and tutorials on how to make accessible digital content.

Accessible Facilities, Programs, and Services

Planning Accessible Meeting and Events Toolkit (American Bar Association)
Detailed checklists for virtual and in-person event planning.
ADA National Network
Information, Guidance, and Training on the Americans with Disabilities Act. The National Network is made up of 10 regional ADA centers across the U.S.
Buy Accessible: Accessibility Requirements Tool for Procurement
Federal government website with accessibility standards for procurement and selecting/negotiating with vendors
Job Accommodation Network: Disabilities and Accommodations
Comprehensive listing of job accommodations by disability, topic, and type of limitation.
The Principles of Universal Design
Universal Design means the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. This document lists the seven principles of universal design and guidelines for each principle.
Southeast ADA Center
Part of the ADA National Network; the Southeast ADA Center offers information, guidance and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Guidelines
Guidelines based on the principles of Universal Design to make learning more accessible to all. These guidelines can be incorporated into library programs, resources, and communications to improve access.

Evaluate your Library: ADA Checklists

ADA Accessibility Checklist from Project Enable
Printable checklist of ADA Accessibility Requirements specifically targeted towards libraries, included in the Project ENABLE virtual training.
Universal Design Checklist from Project Enable
Printable checklist of Universal Design principles specifically targeted towards libraries, included in the Project ENABLE virtual training.

ADA Checklists for Existing Facilities
Fillable forms from the ADA National Network to evaluated all types of existing facilities for accessibility
ADA Title II Action Guide for State and Local Governments
Comprehensive, easy-to-follow self evaluation forms and explanations for State and Local Governments from the New England ADA Center