Accessibility at the Library
Everyone can enjoy our collections, computers, programs, and physical spaces. The Library has automatic entrance doors and elevator access to all levels.
We can adapt our computers to better suit your physical needs by offering you a variety of special features. Ask staff in the Community Computing Centre on the Lower Level about how to use the following devices:
- A high contrast keyboard
- A screen magnifier
- An ergonomic mouse
- A touchpad (instead of a mouse)
- A trackball mouse (which doesn’t require fine motor skills)
Make your home computer easier to use as well. Ability Net’s My Computer My Way website shows you how to adapt your keyboard, mouse, Windows, Internet, and favourite applications to suit your needs.
Listening Assistance
If you’re planning to attend a meeting or program in the Welsh Hall, you may choose to take advantage of our listening assistance technology—hearing loops for those with hearing aids and headsets for those without hearing aids.
To inquire and make arrangements to use this service, please contact the Community Computing Centre 604.925.7405 at least one day in advance of the event.
Our website
ReachDeck Toolbar is a tool that makes our website more accessible. To enable ReachDeck, click on the green icon in the bottom left-hand corner of our website.
Can’t see the icon? This tool is only available in Edge and Firefox browsers. Make sure any ad blockers are disabled on your browser.
The icons on the ReachDeck toolbar each represent a different feature:
- Mouseover text to start reading aloud
- Begin reading the page
- Stop speech playback
- Translate the page to a selected language
- Get a definition in a picture dictionary for selection
- Convert selection into an MP3 file that you can use at a later date
- Screen mask: block distractions on screen with a tinted mask
- Enlarge text as it is read aloud
- Simplify text: remove clutter from the screen, displaying only the main text
- Get BrowseAloud help
- Customize options
Our accessible materials
Our collection of Large Print books is regularly updated to include the most current, acclaimed and talked about books in all genres of fiction and nonfiction including mysteries, romances, and biographies.
We have been working with Dementia-friendly North Shore to support people living with dementia and other cognitive impairments in remaining engaged, connected, and active in the community for as long as possible. The Library is now loaning Simple Music Players and Pastime Kits for people experiencing dementia.
Simple Music Players are easy-to-operate devices designed to make it easier for people facing cognitive decline to listen to music. They can be used as an AM/FM radio or can be loaded with classic songs from formative years, which has been shown to improve awareness, memory, and cognizance. Pastime Kits contain various objects to stimulate memory and provide cognitive activities for people experiencing dementia. Games, toys, books, and sing-along DVDs are included in a tote bag.
Simple Music Players and Pastime Kits are ideally suited for people experiencing dementia; however, anyone with a Library card who could benefit are welcome to borrow them.
We’re here to help you find a great read in any format that suits you—just visit or call the Help Desk at 604.925.7403.
Assistive Services
If you live in West Vancouver and have a mobility challenge and/or a print disability you may be eligible for Assistive Services.
We define a mobility challenge as having an illness, injury, or disability that prevents a person from leaving their home or visiting the Library for three months or more.
A print disability is one that prevents or inhibits a person from reading conventional print. It can be the result of:
- a learning disability, such as a perceptual impairment
- a physical disability, such as the inability to hold or manipulate a book
- a visual disability, such as an impairment of sight or the inability to focus or move one’s eyes
To learn more about Assistive Services, please call us at 604.925.7437. You can also email us at assistive@westvanlibrary.ca.
CELA & NNELS
The Library’s Assistive Services offers materials through national organizations CELA and NNELS.
As a member library of CELA, we provide eligible patrons with access to a growing collection of over 500,000 books, magazines, and newspapers in audio, e-text, and braille.
• Enjoy a full range of subjects, genres, classics, and award winners
• Select from favourites for kids, teens, and adults
• Download books or receive home delivery by mail.
Access to the collection is offered in a number of ways:
• Download books to your computer or mobile device
• Download books to a DAISY player over a wireless connection without using a computer
• Receive audio CDs, Braille, or described movies through your local branch or by mail directly to your home.
The National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS) makes books in accessible formats available to readers who have print disabilities.
Through NNELS, you can access to thousands of titles in PDF, Daisy, MP3, EPUB, and e-text formats. If you are registered with our Assistive Services, you can access materials by signing up for an account with your library card.
- No waiting time! Search and download titles from the comfort of your home
- Listen to audiobooks on your computer or transfer to a portable player
- Can’t find a title you are looking for? Request an audiobook to be made for you.