That the Library Board approve the following Resolution:
Whereas at least three million Canadians have print disabilities which include low vision or blindness, learning disabilities like dyslexia, or physical disabilities like Parkinson’s’, Cerebral Palsy, and others, which prevent them from using traditional print: and
Whereas each year in Canada, people with print disabilities read more than 1 million accessible titles, and the majority are in physical formats; and
Whereas access to information and ideas is crucial to education, to employment, and to opportunities to connect socially within a community, and yet fewer than 1 in 10 books are available in accessible formats for those with print disabilities; and
Whereas the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) provides necessary reading materials for people with print disabilities, including those with vision loss, learning disabilities and physical disabilities, and libraries across the country rely on CELA to provide accessible reading materials and support to patrons that are cost effective and equitable, and
Whereas the Federal government has recently decided to reverse its proposed cuts to funding for accessible book production and distribution, but offers no assurances for longer term funding, which is still set to be fully withdrawn by the 2022-2025 fiscal year; and
Whereas without a funding guarantee, CELA may face a 50% reduction to its production and distribution budget next year, which will have a devastating impact on tis ability to produce and distribute accessible reading materials.
Now Therefore Be it Resolved that the Newmarket Public Library Board request that the Federal government commit to ongoing, stable funding for CELA, so those with reading disabilities across Canada are not left further behind; and
That a copy of this resolution be sent to: public library boards across the country; the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough; the Minister Finance, Chrystia Freeland; and Member of Parliament Tony Van Bynen.