Webinars and teleconferences

Training for library staff

An open laptop on a desk displays the CELA logo. Beside it, a hand holds a pen poised over a notebook.CELA is a public library service offered in most libraries in Canada and provides a collection of reading materials in multiple formats for people with print disabilities. Public libraries play an essential role in ensuring that the approximately 3 million people living in Canada who cannot read regular print due to a learning, physical, or visual disability are able to access published materials in the format of their choice. CELA supports public library staff in fostering accessiblity in all aspects of service. Our webinars provide direct training for library staff to support their users with print disabilities.

Our webinars, presented on Zoom, are designed to meet the training needs of public library services at all levels.  

Register for a webinar

To register for a live training session on Zoom, select the link with the webinar date and time and complete the registration form. (You will need to adjust the times for your region - all times given on the website are in Eastern Time).

We offer additional webinars for our patrons on our Webinars for You page. Library staff are welcome to register.

Watch a recording

Our webinars are recorded and you may find a full list of our webinar recordings to watch at any time. 

Follow a learning path

We offer learning paths designed to help library staff in different roles understand CELA services and provide it to patrons with print disabilities. Check them out on our Learning Paths for Libraries page.

More training opportunities

Library staff in Ontario can also follow the CELA Service in Ontario Public Libraries Certificate Course. Learn more on the Ontario Library Service website.

Decolonize Reading: Promote Accessibility 

How can libraries better support Indigenous patrons with print disabilities? This library chat session brings together Indigenous knowledge and accessibility to answer that question. Danielle Big Canoe Snake of Chippewas of Rama will share perspectives on the intersection of Indigenous identity, disability, and colonization. Cora Payne, Outreach Manager for CELA, and Andrea Blake, Outreach Assistant will join Danielle in this conversation. This session will highlight both the cultural importance of accessibility and practical tools libraries can use to decolonize their approach to disability and reading. 

Learning objectives:

  • Describe how colonization has shaped current perceptions of disability and how these differ from traditional Indigenous understandings.
  • Identify practical ways your library can provide accessible reading options to Indigenous patrons with print disabilities.
  • Apply culturally respectful practices to promote reconciliation through library services and collections that include Indigenous perspectives and accessible formats.

To register for this session select the link below:

Wednesday June 10 1:00-2:00pm EDT

Client Access Support webinar

Join us for this webinar describing CELA’s Client Access Support program. The Client Access Support program is designed for professionals who require access to CELA's collection in order to assist individuals with print disabilities. This would include recreational and rehabilitation therapists, private tutors, support workers in long-term care and seniors’ residences. Public library staff are also welcome to register for this webinar.

This webinar will cover:

  • Eligibility criteria for access to CELA
  • How to sign up for a CAS account
  • How your clients can access CELA resources
  • Formats & reading devices available
  • Where to go for help & more information
  • Brief site tour of celalibrary.ca

To register for the webinar select the link below:

Wed June 17 2:00-3:00pm EDT

Getting Started with Accessible Reading Canada: Listen to CELA Audiobooks with Alexa

Join us for a live webinar introducing Accessible Reading Canada, a new way for CELA patrons to enjoy CELA audiobooks using Alexa-enabled smart speakers. This 60-minute session will walk you through how to use voice commands to search, browse, and listen to audiobooks from your CELA Direct to Player Bookshelf using the Accessible Reading Canada Alexa skill.

This webinar will cover:

  • What Alexa-enabled smart speakers are and how they work
  • How to set up and use the Accessible Reading Canada skill
  • How to use voice commands for browsing and reading
  • Where to find help guides and additional support

After the presentation, there will be a Q&A session to ask additional questions. This session will be recorded.

To register for the online Zoom webinar please select the link below and fill in the registration form. To attend by phone, please call the Contact Centre at 1-855-655-2273.

Mon June 22 3:00-4:00pm EDT