TORONTO, June 5, 2014 /CNW/ - The TD Summer Reading Club through the CNIB Library for children with print disabilities launched this week.
Ten per cent of Canadians have disabilities that prevent them from reading traditional print (this includes visual, physical and learning disabilities), and over 550,000 of these readers are children. CNIB's partnership with the TD Summer Reading Club helps ensure these kids have the chance cultivate their love of reading in an encouraging, accessible environment.
CNIB feels strongly that children with vision loss and other print disabilities should have equal access to materials that promote literacy and are a cornerstone of their development. CNIB's TD Summer Reading Club makes selected works for the program available in alternate formats like braille and audio books, and provides program materials like toolkits and inclusive activity ideas. CNIB staff reach out to over 900 public libraries across Canada to provide training on how to implement the accessible reading club in local libraries.
"We've been working with the TD Summer Reading Club since 2011 to provide a unique accessible program to young readers with print disabilities," said Margaret McGrory, Vice President and Executive Director, CNIB Library. "It's an amazing program that encourages kids to explore their love of reading alongside their friends in a fun, inclusive environment."
CNIB's TD Summer Reading Club not only promotes literacy, but helps break common social barriers and allows children with print disabilities to participate in the program alongside their peers with the same books and themes. The program facilitates social inclusion, confidence building, and fun. CNIB has seen the impact literacy can have on our young readers, and can attest to the power it has in developing confidence and the skills to fully participate in life.
About CNIB's TD Summer Reading Club
The CNIB Library has been providing a summer reading club for children with vision loss since 1996. In 2011, CNIB aligned with the TD Summer Reading Club to provide materials within the chosen theme to all readers with print disabilities. Find out more about this year's program and theme – Eureka! – at cniblibrary.ca.
SOURCE: CNIB
Carolyn Young, Corporate Communications Specialist, CNIB, [email protected], T: 416-486-2500 ext. 8355
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