Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA)
Newfoundland and Labrador Public Libraries offers access to the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) collection for people who have difficulty reading print due to a visual, physical, or learning disability. CELA is a national not-for-profit organization focused on the creation, collection, delivery, and preservation of both digital and physical alternate format accessible materials for Canadians with print disabilities through public libraries.
To be eligible for CELA services, patrons must have a perceptual disability as defined under the provisions of the Copyright Modernization Act, which includes:
- Learning disability: an impairment relating to comprehension
- Physical disability: the inability to hold or manipulate a book
- Visual disability: severe or total impairment of sight or inability to focus or move one’s eyes
To receive CELA services, eligible patrons must register with CELA and have a valid public library card. Patrons can either self-register using the Centre’s online registration form or visit their nearest branch for assistance.
First-time users can access a step-by-step guide on Getting Started with CELA.