At Halifax Public Libraries, accessibility is a foundational value, woven into every program, policy, and public space. Behind every barrier removed and every community voice uplifted is a group of passionate individuals guiding the way: the Library’s Accessibility Advisory Committee.
Formed in 2020, the Committee was created to ensure that people with disabilities—those with lived experience—were at the heart of decisions about accessibility. Each member brings a unique perspective to the table, and together they offer guidance, insight, and accountability as the Library works toward its vision of inclusion.
A Community-led commitment
The Committee is more than a consultative body; it’s an integral partner in shaping the Library’s approach to access. Every year, members review progress across departments, identify gaps, and help guide the Library’s annual Accessibility Action Plan. Their contributions have helped inspire everything from elevator upgrades and website improvements to details within renovations at Keshen Goodman and Alderney Gate Public Libraries.
In 2025, the Committee helped shape Halifax Public Libraries’ recently updated Accessibility Plan, a roadmap built on principles like inclusion, lived experience, community leadership, and creativity. As the Plan states: “We recognize the full range of disabilities, and also understand that a person’s identity and life circumstances can overlap with their disability to create barriers… We will reflect this understanding in our policies, programs, and services”.
Personal connections
For many members, joining the Committee was about more than advocacy. It was personal.
“For me, it’s been recent since I became a wheelchair user,” said Carole Arsenault. “I really knew nothing to start and wanted to learn more, and wanted to share what my experiences were like those first few years.”
Kimberly Neary,who co-founded Disabled Not Dead Society, brings her voice as an advocate and a wheelchair user. The nonprofit was started to support adults living with mobility-limiting and chronic pain challenges. "We felt there wasn’t many resources outside of sport available. I joined the committee to be part of ensuring the Library is a resource we can use."
Michelle Mahoney, who also works in accessibility at the University of King’s College, emphasized how far we’ve come—and how far we have left to go. “We have a goal of 2030 [for full provincial accessibility in Nova Scotia], but I don’t think we’ll get there unless we really listen to people with disabilities. And now, for the first time, I think people actually are.”
Kayleigh MacDonald joined after navigating post-COVID chronic illness. “My immune system was compromised and I couldn’t volunteer in person anymore. When I heard about this board, it felt like the perfect fit. My mom’s a librarian, so it felt like a full-circle moment.”
Sam Bambrick highlighted the Committee’s accountability role. The group has had “strong participation since the beginning. It’s been great to see how seriously the Library takes our input.”
“Accessibility benefits everyone in different ways,” said Liz Doull. “It’s a mom pushing a stroller up a ramp. It’s a hearing person reading captions on a TV show like it’s a book. These features don’t just help disabled people—they make things better for all of us.”
And for Dar Wournell, the connection to libraries is deeply personal. "Growing up as a child, until I was about 19, I was fully sighted, and I was such a bookworm. And then at the age of 19, I lost my sight from surgery.
Reading is my passion. Throughout that whole journey of going from vision to the vision loss, my whole escape was books. I want to ensure others don’t lose access like I did. If a book is released, it should be in audio or EPUB or Braille too.”
A cross-section of lived experience
Representation is a cornerstone of the Committee’s purpose, and its makeup reflects a wide and meaningful range of lived experiences.
“We’ve had members with mobility challenges, vision loss, or hearing loss,” said Kayleigh. “If you’re calling it an accessibility board, it needs to include a wide range of disabilities.”
That range includes individuals with spina bifida, autism, post-viral chronic fatigue, neurodivergence, and other conditions that affect day-to-day functioning. Members of the committee include those who are blind or low-vision, d/Deaf or hard of hearing, and those managing chronic pain, sensory sensitivities, or invisible disabilities. The Committee also recognizes the importance of communication accessibility and language inclusion. This includes tools like Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) tablets to support d/Deaf users communicating in American Sign Language, and creating welcoming spaces for newcomers who may not speak English as a first language. Ensuring everyone can connect with staff, services, and each other is a key part of the Library’s accessibility vision. Michelle Mahoney, who was born with arthrogryposis, brings both professional and lived experience to the table. “It’s not just about getting in the door—it’s about what happens once you’re in the space,” she said, reflecting on how accessibility must be built into every layer of experience.
“People need to know that accessibility isn’t just about ramps,” she added. “It’s about mental health, communication needs, and all the nuanced ways people experience the world.”
Achievements and advocacy
The Committee has already played a role in tangible changes across branches. “The elevator buttons at Central used to change from one shade of blue to a slightly different shade—it was impossible to tell the difference if you had a vision impairment,” said Sam. “Now, they turn red. It’s a little change, but it makes a big difference.”
Members also shaped the Library’s major accessibility survey in 2024, which informed the current Accessibility Plan. “It was exciting to be part of crafting the questions,” said Kayleigh. “We got a lot of responses, and those voices are now guiding real improvements.”
In August 2024, Halifax Central Library became one of only two libraries in Canada to receive Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certified Gold—the highest possible rating for accessible built environments. This milestone wasn’t achieved overnight. It reflects years of behind-the-scenes effort from Library staff, architects, and, notably, the Accessibility Advisory Committee.
“This certification requires commitment from all Library staff – those who carefully maintain existing infrastructure, provide meaningful feedback, initiate new accessibility options, and make the public library a welcoming space for all,” the Accessibility Plan states.
Other key achievements include:
- The 2024 reopening of Keshen Goodman Public Library, redesigned with improved accessible parking, tactile floor indicators, a rubberized outdoor surface, accessible washrooms, non-fixed furniture, and enhanced lighting and acoustics.
- Entrance renovations at Alderney Gate Library, which now include accessible seating, a low-light nook, and two accessible service desks.
- Investment in Home Delivery and Borrow by Mail services, ensuring Library access for people who cannot physically visit a branch.
- Enhanced audiobook and read-along collections, including books with built-in audio players requiring no additional technology.
Looking ahead
As Nova Scotia approaches its 2030 accessibility goal, opens a new window, the Committee remains energized—and realistic. “2030 felt far away when I joined,” said Kayleigh. “But it’s coming fast, and I’m proud that the Library is already preparing.”
For Carole, it’s about sustaining momentum. “Libraries are strong, they move fast, they do the work—I just hope they keep it up.”
Mairead Barry, Halifax Public Libraries’ Director of Strategy, and Committee member since the beginning, noted at a recent meeting of the group: “This Committee has been incredibly beneficial to the Library. You’ve helped us connect with community in ways we never have before.”
Share Your Voice
The Accessibility Advisory Committee is just one part of a broader effort to make Halifax Public Libraries a space for everyone. Whether through feedback, program participation, or applying to join future advisory groups, the Library encourages all community members to have their say. If you have any questions or comments contact the Library at asklib@halifaxlibrary.ca
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