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Forest of Reading in Alternate Formats

FRANÇAIS

*2023 list of E-book availability to date

In Canada, Forest of Reading titles are available in alternative formats through schools and public libraries:

Public libraries can borrow selected titles on DAISY audio, text or in braille through the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) and loan them to eligible patrons. Or, libraries can register eligible patrons for direct access to CELA’s download and home delivery services. Libraries may also offer some of these titles in ePub through OverDrive.

Schools in Ontario can access materials through Alternative Education Resources for Ontario (AERO) or CELA’s Educator Access Program , which is also available through much of Canada.

In order to use AERO’s service, schools must have a print copy of the requested book. Materials required for students must be ordered by the advisor. Please note that materials are sent to the advisor and not sent directly to individual students. Materials are loaned free of charge for the school year. Books that are not returned at the end of the school year will be invoiced for replacement costs. Books that are downloaded must be deleted from the storage site at the school and deleted under the student’s holdings at the end of the school year.

In order to use CELA’s Educator Access program , educators need a public library card from a CELA member library and a CELA Educator Access account which will allow them to borrow accessible materials, for free, on behalf of their students with print disabilities. CELA services are widely available across Canada. To locate CELA member libraries please visit CELA’s website.

How to Access Forest of Reading Books in Alternative Formats

Through a School – AERO

1. Contact AERO & Advisor Registration;
2. Advisor will register the students. Students must have a perceptual disability;
3. Advisor must have proof of a purchase of the print copy of the book.

Through a School – CELA

1. Visit CELA’s website to register as an Educator;
2. Within a week, educators will receive their password and login and will be able to download materials directly;
3. For information on available formats and how to download materials visit CELA’s website.

From Home or Through a Public Library:

1. Contact your local public library;
2. Ask to be registered for its CELA service or visit CELA’s website to register directly;
3. Visit CELA’s website to download or request materials.

To be eligible for CELA service patrons must have a public library card and a print disability, defined as a visual, physical or learning disability that prevents you from reading traditional printed material

Need help? Contact CELA at 1-855-655-2273 or help@celalibrary.ca

AERO’s use of Forest of Reading Files:Schools in Ontario can access materials through Alternative Education Resources for Ontario (AERO).

In order to use AERO’s service, the student requiring the material(s) must have a perceptual disability.

Schools must have a print copy of the requested book.

Materials required for students with perceptual disability must be ordered by the advisor.

Please note that materials are sent to the advisor and not sent directly to individual students with a perceptual disability. Materials are loaned free of charge for the school year. Books that are not returned at the end of the school year will be invoiced for replacement costs. Books that are downloaded must be deleted from the storage site at the school and deleted under the student’s holdings at the end of the school year.

Publishers are to provide a PDF version of nominated titles to AERO.The files are made available on AERO’s online repository with the opening of Forest of Reading on October 15, 2023.After the completion of Forest of Reading the files and any transcriptions produced from the files remain on the AERO system for future requests.With this being said, a publisher can request for the files to be removed at the conclusion of Forest of Reading (June 30, 2024), by contacting Marianne Mallette via e-mail marianne.mallette@alternativeresources.ca

About AERO – Alternate Education Resources Ontario
Alternate Education Resources Ontario (AERO) is a web-based digital repository operated by the Ontario Ministry of Education in partnership with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. The mandate of AERO is to provide alternate format text to students with perceptual disabilities who attend publicly funded educational institutions in Ontario. AERO enables students with perceptual disabilities to access educational materials in a format they require and in a timely manner.

Each student and advisor must be registered with AERO prior to using this service. The school advisor can use the AERO online registration form on the AERO website to apply.

About CELA – Centre for Equitable Library Access
The Centre for Equitable Library Access, CELA, is Canada’s most comprehensive accessible reading service, providing books and other materials to Canadians with print disabilities in the formats of their choice. A national not-for-profit organization, CELA serves 96% of the estimated 3 million Canadians with print disabilities in partnership with member libraries and has users in every province and territory. CELA provides access to nearly 700,000 professionally produced titles to provide people with print disabilities with a quality library experience and proudly offers accessible materials to educators supporting students with a print disability.

Learn More About Print Disabilities and Alternative Formats: