Reading Re-Imagined A National Digital “HUB” to Support Library services for Canadians with Print Disabilities Discussion Document September 2011

DEFINITIONS Print Disability: In accordance with the Canadian Copyright Law a “print disability” means a disability that prevents or inhibits a person from reading a literary, musical or dramatic work in its original format, and includes such a s disability resulting from: a)severe or total impairment of sight or the inability to focus or move’s one’s eyes; b)The inability to hold or manipulate a book; or c)An impairment relating to comprehension Alternative Formats: Include braille, e-braille, navigable audio, large print and electronic text. Assistive Technology: Include screen magnification and screen reader software for computers (such as ZoomText and JAWS respectively), downloadable apps for accessing digital formats (e.g. audible for iPhone) and audio playback devices (e.g. Victor Readers). Digital does not necessarily mean Accessible: Digital speaks to the medium, “accessible” speaks to usability of the format (e.g. navigable Daisy). Accessibility is often dependent on the end user’s familiarity with different digital formats.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees protection of people with disabilities. It is estimated that up to 10% of the Canadian Population have a print disability. Only 5% of published works are available in alternative formats for people with print disabilities. Institutional illiteracy impacts national labour productivity. For example only one third of working age Canadians with vision loss are employed. Growing multiculturalism requires alternative format materials in languages other than English and French. All other G8 countries provide some level of public funds and centralized support for provision of alternative format materials and library services for people with print disabilities. We believe, the solution in Canada will involve all three levels of government and the private sector. AN IMPERATIVE TO ACT

2005 – Canadian Library Association's OPENING THE BOOK begins discussion on developing a national network for equitable library service for Canadians with print disabilities – LAC receives $3M in funding for a 3 year mandate to develop a strategy to support equitable library services for Canadians with print disabilities – CNIB appeals for interim funding to support its operations and services until a longer term solution is found – CNIB receives federal, provincial and territorial one time funding to revitalize the current library systems infrastructure and provide funding to support its production and operations for 2 years. August 2011 – In the absence of a Federally led initiative to create a conceptual plan and with the support of LAC, CNIB retains a project leader to develop this plan with options. The plan is being developed in partnership with end users, the public library community, not for profits/associations representing those with print disabilities, publishers and other 3 rd party partners/funders/innovators. HUB/“IELA” TIMELINE

THE REALITY All Stakeholders, including CNIB agree; access to information is a charter right; the Federal Government should lead this initiative, and Canadians with print disabilities should not need to rely on a charitable institution for library services. Library and Archives Canada, as a small agency of the federal government does not have the authority to negotiate directly with the provinces and territories The Canadian Federal structure does not include national funding of library services. Given this reality, the go-forward approach will include a continued push for Federal involvement coupled with Provincial, Municipal and private sector support in order to get more books on e-shelf. The “HUB” needs to facilitate greater access to alternative format collections and services in public libraries and not become a “segregated system”. It is expected that the hub will become a center of excellence and will evolve as publishers begin producing more alternative formats at source, and the business landscape changes.

THE REALITY Here are some additional points raised upon review of the key documents provided by Library and Archives Canada and initial discussions with key stakeholders. The work on governance structure will not begin until the services and value proposition of the HUB are confirmed with an established funding model. Once agreed upon, a skills based board will be established in consultation with stakeholders. During the LAC consultations, many suggestions would entail adding to the current public library workload (e.g. training on assistive devices, library information sessions). The “HUB” will assist and or enhance the public libraries offering by providing specialized core services. The publishing industry is rapidly changing, including the technology created to support it. Therefore, the design will not include major funding dedicated to infrastructure items such as recording booths. In this example, the focus would be to fully utilize the CNIB booths and create partnership agreements with groups such as Accessible Media Inc.

CNIB’s motivation for its blind and partially sighted Canadian clients is to have equitable access to publicly funded library services. The reality is that with the small number of CNIB library clients, it is not economically feasible to create an equitable and sustainable library solely for this community. CNIB also believes from a human rights standpoint that all Canadians deserve the same level of library service. The interim funding that CNIB has received from governments does not support an acceptable level of service to its own clients or to Canadians with print disabilities. If the concept of central “HUB” is not achieved, CNIB go-forward options will be presented to the CNIB Board of Directors. CNIB will need to balance the needs of its clients for library services with the broader CNIB client needs and expectations. THE CNIB REALITY By working together with all Canadians with print disabilities we will build a compelling case from both a business and a human rights perspective to build a sustainable library service.

Equality. Ensure that all Canadians have the same timely access to information. Sustainability. The key is a public-private financial model. Funding will be required through both federal and provincial avenues. In addition, the funding model will be supplemented by private funding and include the ability to generate revenue for future sustainability. Flexibility. Given rapid technological changes and current shifts and trends in the publishing sector, the HUB will need to be flexible – both up and down. Innovation. The HUB will continually seek out innovative technology, delivery channels and outreach programs. Quality of Life. The vision is driven by a fundamental belief that lives are enhanced from exposure to literature, culture, entertainment and information regardless of income level. To create a nationwide digital library and information service organization that will support equitable services to Canadians with print disabilities (The “Hub”). The VISION will evolve during the first phase of this project and will be based on the following principles. THE DRAFT VISION

PARTNERSHIPS The “HUB” will enhance the service delivery to Canadians with print disabilities in collaboration with the following partners: Public Libraries and Library Associations Educational and Academic Libraries (K-12 and Post-Secondary) To outreach to the end user community through Not-for-profits and Associations Direct Service Providers such as: CNIB/ Council of Canadians with Disabilities/LDAC/ MS Society etc. Governments (Federal/Provincial/Municipal) Provincial/ Academic Centers of Innovation Excellence (MaRs, OCAD, Ryerson University, University of Waterloo plus additional centers across Canada) Publishers/ Aggregators Booksellers/ Online Vendors Foundations/ Corporations/ Private Donors

Create: -Federated Search Engine -Audio, E-text, Braille -French, English, Multilingual, Aboriginal Publishers “Producers” The Hub “Creators” Providers Enablers Clients WEB INTERFACE Significantly increase the number of digital audio files Outreach Programs Internet Access New Accessibility Devices Software Applications, Mobile/device applications Legend Federal Funding Provincial Funding Municipal Funding Private Innovative Partnerships Provide ongoing feedback on content and desired “applications” DRAFT “SUPPLY CHAIN” Public Libraries Direct Service Points: CNIB, Cdn. Dyslexia Association, MS Society plus others Academic Libraries: K- 12, Post Secondary Online Vendors Purchase audio files from aggregators Cdn. Clearinghouse for International Alternate Format Materials Enforce copyright laws Rate/Provide Assistive Technologies Provide digital audio files and e- text

The project is broken down into 3 main phases. Funding needs to be in place for March PHASE THREE - Implementation Planning October 2012 – March 2013 Implementation planning including web portal detailed design and implementation plans, organizational structure/recruitment, office space, and governance structure. PHASE TWO - Public and Private Funding Secured January 2012– September 2012 Ongoing negotiations with Federal, Provincial and 3 rd Party partners. Detailed costing and implementation plans finalized. Funding secured and all 3 rd party agreements in place by September PHASE ONE – Preliminary Conceptual Plan with Potential Scenarios Developed with Stakeholder Consultation July 2011 – December 2011 A preliminary conceptual plan with costing will be developed with input from a select group of key stakeholders, thought leaders and potential 3 rd party partners. The plan will then be reviewed, refined and finalized with the broader stakeholder group. TIMELINE

Key points/questions/areas of requested involvement are customized based on the audience Please contact Lori Sutej: or John Rafferty: GET INVOLVED…..