October is Learning Disabilities & Dyslexia Awareness Month, and this month we want to help YOU learn more about MPL’s commitment to providing service in different ways that respects the dignity and independence of individuals with disabilities, as well as what exactly we have at the library that can help individuals with learning disabilities towards achieving their goals.
You may already know that the Library offers accessible services & formats such as eBooks, Audiobooks, Large Print, or Screen Readers on Public Access Computers, but have you ever learned about.. drum roll please.. The Centre for Equitable Library Access, or CELA for short? If not, you will today!
This blog will focus specifically on your free access to CELA with your Markham Public Library Card. And just FYI, when you visit Markham Public Library’s Accessibility page, Accessible Library Services | Markham Public Library, you can learn about all our accessible services, collections, and equipment in addition to CELA.
But first, let’s start with some working definitions laid out by the Learning Disability Association of Ontario (LDAO).
What is a learning disability?
According to the LDAO, between 5 and 10 percent of Canadians have a learning disability.
- The LDAO states that learning disabilities can affect the way in which a person takes in, remembers, understands and expresses information.
- People with learning disabilities are intelligent and have abilities to learn despite difficulties in processing information.
- Living with a learning disability can have an ongoing impact on friendships, school, work, self-esteem and daily life.
- People with learning disabilities can succeed when solid coping skills and strategies are developed.
- Learning disabilities and their effects are different from person to person, so a person’s pattern of learning abilities need to be understood in order to find good, effective strategies for compensation.
- An "official definition of Learning disabilities" states they are generally life-long and invariably interfere with the learning and use of one or more of the following important skills: oral language (e.g., listening, speaking, understanding), reading (e.g., decoding, comprehension), written language (e.g., spelling, written expression), mathematics (e.g., computation, problem solving).
To learn more about learning disabilities, there is so much more helpful information from signs to supports on the LDAO's website:
What Are LDs? – Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario – LDAO)
With this information in mind, let's get into the details of CELA.
What is the Centre for Equitable Library Access?
CELA is Canada's largest collection of alternative format books and online resources. It offers collections for people who have trouble reading print because of a vision, physical, or learning disability. It is a nonprofit and publicly funded through federal, provincial and territorial governments, and through direct subscriptions from libraries.
CELA provides access to a collection of over 1.5 million described movies, books, newspapers and magazines in audio, eText, daisy reader, braille and digital formats. Yes, you read that correctly – 1.5 million. It offers a full range of subjects, genres, best sellers, and award winters, available for all ages.
Access is offered by direct download or delivery to your home by mail. And guess what, it’s FREE and EASY to access. All you need is a Markham Public Library Card.
Why CELA is an Amazing Resource:
CELA services, in partnership with public libraries are so important because they ensure that people with print disabilities across Canada are more able to fully participate in learning, work and community life and contribute to the social, cultural, and economic development and success of their local and broader communities.
How Does CELA Work?
There are three options:
- Customers can have physical media (DAISY CDs, Braille, etc.) mailed to their homes free of charge. Physical materials will come with a postage-paid pre-addressed envelope which they can use to return the items.
- Customers can access only digital content via CELA’s website.
- Customers can access both physical and digital content.
Check out all of CELA’s Compatible devices and formats to explore what will work best for you.
Who Is Eligible for CELA?
Canadian residents who self-declare they have a print disability that prevents them from reading conventional print are eligible.
Can Teachers Use CELA?
YES! The Educator Access Program (EAP) lets teachers and support professionals borrow from the CELA collection to support students with print disabilities. As a teacher, teacher-librarian, or educational assistant you can use your Markham Public Library card to register online for the Educator Access Program. This is a huge value for teachers who want to reduce students’ barriers to learning and accessing materials in alternate formats in addition to showing students how they can use this resource on their own for years to come.
How Do You Register for CELA?
We thought you'd never ask...
- It’s simple: Call or visit an MPL branch and ask to be signed up!
- Or visit CELA's Registration Page directly to register using your Markham Public Library Card.
For more information about the process, you can visit: CELA | Markham Public Library
And if you find that you have questions about any of CELA’s services or collections you can visit their Frequently Asked Questions page: Frequently asked questions | CELA or contact their team directly for support:
help@celalibrary.ca
1-855-655-2273
Hopefully you found it helpful to take a brief deep dive into one of our valuable accessibility resources, but the learning doesn’t stop there!
To learn more about a variety of MPL’s different learning formats, check out this blog: Dyslexia-Friendly Reading Options | Markham Public Library
And last but not least, don’t forget to register for our upcoming workshops this October to learn more about Learning Disabilities and to hear directly from local experts!
Our upcoming informational workshops include:
Learning Disabilities 101:
Presented by the Learning Disabilities Association, this virtual workshop provides parents with valuable insight into learning disabilities, including how they may impact a child's learning, confidence, and everyday life.
Participants will learn about:
- Common signs and characteristics
- Available resources and supports
- Practical strategies to advocate for and empower their child’s success.
When: Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM.
Where: Zoom.
Dyslexia: Myths, Misconceptions, and the Truth:
Join Dyslexia Canada for an informative workshop which challenges common myths about Dyslexia and replaces them with clear, evidence-informed facts.
Participants will learn:
- How dyslexia affects reading and writing.
- Why early intervention matters.
- What effective instruction should include, and how accommodations can support access without lowering expectations.
When: Thursday, October 29, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM.
Where: Zoom
What's a format that helps you learn best: print books, audiobooks, videos, or something else? Let us know!
October is Learning Disabilities & Dyslexia Awareness month - a time to celebrate diverse minds and the unique strenghts of neurodivergent learners. This booklist features stories and resources that explore the challenges and triumphs of those living with learning differences.
Add a comment to: Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities: Learn About Canada’s Largest Collection of Alternative Format Books