View the AODA - Accessibility for Users with Disabilities, Customer Service Response
Accessibility for Users with Disabilities Policy (pdf)
About the Learning Lab
Located at your Central Library, the London Life Community Access Centre hosts a Learning Lab for customers with special visual, learning or physical needs. Braille translating software and Braille printing is available to all patrons using the Access Centre Learning Lab. We have volunteers available to provide assistance with learning how to use this adaptive technology. Please telephone 519-661-4600 for more information and to reserve time with a volunteer.
Blind and low-vision patrons
Learning Disabilities and Learning English
Physical Alternatives
Libraries For All
"Libraries for All" is a joint project between London Public Library and Thames Valley Children's Centre. Communication boards are available in all libraries for patrons who cannot talk or have speech that is difficult to understand.
Copies of the communication boards are available here in .pdf format.
Hard of Hearing
Assistive Listening Systems for the hard of hearing are available for programs in Meeting Rooms at the Central Library and at Crouch Branch, Masonville Branch and Westmount branch. Please inquire through the Community Outreach & Program Services by calling 519-661-5120.
Additional Resources Available
Vision
London Public Library is the Community Hub that strengthens individuals, families and neighbourhoods by connecting them to people and to relevant information, collections, programs and resources.
Mission
We are passionate about making a difference in our community, one person at a time, by enriching lives and empowering people through relevant, accessible, high quality library services.
Objective
We understand the diversity of the communities we serve and provide responsive Library services and outreach to meet unique community needs.
We facilitate accessibility through the recognition, removal and prevention of obstacles for individuals with disabilities.
Definition of Disability
Our definition of disability is: any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, including diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical coordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide or service dog or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device,
Guiding Principles
Our Shared Values apply to all members of the community including people with disabilities.
A person with a disability has the right to expect service excellence in all aspects of our service delivery in the areas of literacy, learning, culture, leisure and recreation, information and community meeting space.
Policies, Practices and Procedures
Opportunity: Ability to access the Policies of London Public Library, generally, and the Accessibility Policy, in particular.
Communication with Staff
Opportunity: Ability to communicate verbally with staff while in the location
Decals with the Libraries for All logo are visible at all helpdesks. (Add decal image)
Opportunity: Dignity and independence of persons with disabilities; service provision that takes into account the person’s disability
Audio: Policies and communication (mp3)
Use of Service Animals
Opportunity: Ability to bring a service animal into any location
The use of service animals is supported by the Library’s Charter of Library Use – Rules of Conduct. A copy of this is posted in every location; upon request, staff will print a copy for the public.
Audio: Use of service animals (mp3)
Feedback from the Public
Opportunity: Ability to provide feedback to the library related to goods and services.
Audio: Feedback from the public (mp3)
Disruption of Services
Opportunity: Notification and Provision of Alternatives
Audio: Disruption of service (mp3)
Staff Training
Opportunity: Provision of goods and services to persons with disabilities
o How to Interact and communicate with persons with disabilities. The Mile in My Shoes program is an experiential training designed to promote empathy for persons with disabilities and an understanding of the barriers they experience in using the Library. Information on specific disabilities and how to provide service is included. This program is offered regularly throughout the year.
Notification of Availability of Documents
Opportunity: Ability to access documents related to services
• If the person is unable to use a printed copy, staff will provide the customer with an audio version.
Core Services – Lending
Opportunity: Ability to sign a Borrower’s Card
Opportunity: Receipt of Courtesy Notices
Opportunity: Ability to Use a Public Library to Borrow Materials
Audio: Core services: lending (mp3)
Core Services – Collections
Opportunity: Need for multiple formats
Audio: Core services: collections (mp3)
Core Services - Reference, Referral and Readers’ Services
Opportunity: Ability to Verbalize Requests to Staff
Opportunity: Matching formats to requests
Opportunity: Access to the Full Collection
Opportunity: Ability to read spine labels and signage
Opportunity: Ability to process information
Opportunity: Ability to use a public library to access information
Audio: Core services: reference, referral and readers' services (mp3)
Core Service – Technology Services
Opportunity: Need for adaptive technology
For those requiring audio supports:
For those requiring learning support because of a learning disability or language barrier:
For those requiring visual supports:
Opportunity: Ability to access information from the web site using a screen reader
Opportunity: Ability to receive audio instruction in the use of library resources
Audio: Core services: technology (mp3)
Core Service: Programming and Community Outreach
Opportunity: Ability of children to participate in book-based programs
Opportunity: Ability to use spaces for programs or rentals
Opportunity: Use of service animals and support persons in programs
Opportunity: Knowledge of library programs and services