The BC SRC welcomes the participation of all children and their families and we continue to seek ways to provide an accessible and fully inclusive program.
- Core Print Materials are produced with a minimum of text in order to support the participation of children of any language and any reading ability.
- A video in ASL (American Sign Language) with English subtitles, on both staff and kids’ websites, welcomes children with hearing impairment to the BC SRC.
- Annotated book lists are produced each year, indicating titles available in audio formats (commercially, and through NNELS and CELA), making it convenient for anyone with a perceptual or print impairment to find theme-related titles to listen to.
- Each year the Program Manual is reviewed by Dr. Tess Prendergast (Inclusive Early Literacy) to ensure programs and activities include adaptations for different needs. With the assistance of Dr. Prendergast, general guidelines for Summer Programming Staff, on how to increase inclusion, are provided as part of the Program Manual.
- in 2019, in consultation with Dr. Carole Ford (Co-Director for Davis Learning Strategies, The Whole Dyslexic Society), dyslexia-friendly adaptions were made to print materials and supplemental Resources.
- A “Caregiver Page” provides general information on the program, as well as explanations on how to join the program. Currently, it is available in French and English, with plans to translate into multiple languages in 2019. NOTE: This page also provides a dropdown menu with links to BC libraries, making it easy for families to find a library in their community!
- Customizable “Parent Letters” are available on the staff site for libraries to download and send to their local schools. These letters include language that explicitly supports children reading in whatever language they feel most comfortable. As well, the letters specifically express support for cultures that emphasize oral storytelling.
- Support materials are available for parents and librarians, including The Value of Summer Reading, (available in nearly 40 languages). The staff site also includes a Google translate plug-in so visitors can readily translate any page.
See also: ASL (American Sign Language) Welcome Video
See also: interview with Dr. Tess Prendergast (Inclusive Early Literacy & BC SRC Consultant) on “Inviting Accessibility”