Opening the Conversation: How Ontario Public Library Websites Frame Disability

Abstract

Public library websites are an early point of contact for the community. These sites are the library’s voice when queried by current and potential patrons about services and resources. For those with disabilities, this conversation may include questions around accessibility. This research investigates Ontario public library websites for accessibility information to answer the question, ‘How is disability defined by Ontario public libraries?.’ Fifteen Ontario public library websites were analyzed through a critical disability framework. Findings indicate a broader framing of accessibility than in previous research using more of a social model, with some instances of disability framed as a binary.