By Kaylie Dolan
In the enchanting world of literature, every young person deserves a book they can read and relate to.
Nowadays, accessible books come in many formats, including Braille, Picture Communication Symbols, sign language, easy-to-read language, tactile or textured illustrations, and dyslexia-friendly fonts. By sourcing and promoting accessible books, we open up a world of possibilities for young people of all abilities to engage in the joy of independent reading.
One remarkable Canadian resource is the IBBY Collection, housed at the Toronto Public Library. The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) believes that it is important to not only showcase exceptional picture books and novels with diverse characters, but also ensure that children and youth have the ability to read on their own.
This collection consists of over 4,000 books in 40+ languages. These stories for and about young people with disabilities have been handpicked by experts, publishers, and IBBY national chapters around the world. And they haven’t forgotten about adults either—there are books tailored specifically for adults with unique abilities.
The IBBY collection is a haven for those seeking diverse and accessible reading materials. Not only does it offer an abundance of books for hands-on experiences within the library, but it also provides valuable research opportunities
into the evolution of children’s and young adult’s literature in this specialized field. Visitors to the collection can explore inspiring examples of accessible book design and construction. Teachers, librarians, parents, and caregivers can access curated booklists, enabling them to better support young readers of all abilities.
Through the IBBY Collection and similar initiatives, we can break down barriers and pave the way for a more inclusive literary landscape. And, thanks to the advancements in technology, accessing the IBBY Collection has never
been easier as we can now explore the collection online through the Toronto Public Library’s website (www.torontopubliclibrary.ca), where we will find a user-friendly search interface.
Kaylie Dolan is a summer intern with the Canadian Abilities Foundation (CAF).
