Accessible Reading Canada Help

About Accessible Reading Canada

Accessible Reading Canada Skill logo. The logo depicts a grey speech bubble with a white circle inside, featuring a capital letter "C". To the left of the letter "C", there is a sunburst motif composed of dark red and maroon triangular shapes extending from the letter "C" towards the left side of the white circle. The entire logo is encased within a light grey circular border, extending into the speech bubble shape.Accessible Reading Canada is a voice-activated application that lets CELA users listen to human-narrated CELA audiobooks through Alexa-enabled smart speakers.

Users must have an Amazon account as well as an Alexa-enabled smart speaker to use this app. Through this Alexa app, known as a "skill", patrons can use voice commands to search, browse, and listen to audiobooks from CELA.

Alexa Smart Speaker 

Alexa-enabled smart speakers are devices, primarily from Amazon, that combine a speaker with Amazon's virtual assistant, Alexa. These speakers allow users to control various functions and interact with Alexa using voice commands. There are many different kinds of Alexa-enabled devices. These speakers are usually referred to as “Echo” devices.

Alexa Skills

Alexa skills are voice-activated apps that add new functionalities to an Alexa-enabled device. Accessible Reading Canada is a free Alexa skill that is available in English and French (as Lecture Accessible Canada).

What You Need

Here is everything you’ll need to get started with Accessible Reading Canada.

CELA account

If you have not done so already, register for CELA service. People with print disabilities living in Canada are eligible to use CELA.

Amazon.ca Account

Accessible Reading Canada will only connect to Amazon accounts created from the Amazon Canada website. The skill is not compatible with accounts from other regions, such as Amazon.com.

Alexa Smart Speaker

Accessible Reading Canada only works with single language setup. Your speaker must be configured to use either English or French, not English/French or French/English.

Internet Connection

Most of Alexa’s functions, including the Accessible Reading Canada skill, need a Wi-Fi internet connection to function.

ARC User Guide and Command List

These instructions assume that you have already configured your Alexa speaker. For more information on setting up your device, see the Amazon help page.

User Guide 

This is a comprehensive user guide to connect an Alexa-enabled smart speaker to Accessible Reading Canada and start reading audiobooks from CELA. It is available in multiple formats.

Command List

This list details the menu items and the command phrases available in the Accessible Reading Canada skill. A command phrase is a specific word or group of words used to request something to your smart speaker. Your smart speaker is programmed to understand these specific commands. The list is available in multiple formats.

Video Tutorials and Audio Demos

These video tutorials and demos provide an overview of the Accessible Reading Canada skill, including how to link your CELA account to your Amazon account and what menu option are available in the skill. These instructions assume that you have already configured your Alexa speaker. For more information on setting up your device, see the Amazon help page.

How to manually enable the ARC skill 

These are instructions for linking your CELA account to your Amazon account.

Command List Walkthrough  

These instructions demonstrate the menu items and the command phrases available in the Accessible Reading Canada skill. A command phrase is a specific word or group of words used to request something to your smart speaker. Your smart speaker is programmed to understand these specific commands.

Loaning Alexa Devices at Libraries

Some libraries may wish to loan Alexa smart speakers so that patrons with print disabilities can try the Accessible Reading Canada skill before purchasing their own device. These instructions provide guidance for libraries interested in offering this service, including what patrons need to get started and tips for supporting patrons.

Instructions for Loaning Alexa Devices at Libraries

Privacy Information

The Accessible Reading Canada skill is a voice-activated service that works with an Alexa-enabled smart speaker. In order to use this skill, you must have an Amazon account and agree to Amazon's terms of service and privacy policy. 

To provide the personalized voice command service through Alexa, some information about your use of Accessible Reading Canada skill is available to Amazon, primarily information about the CELA audiobooks you access through this service, including your search results and books on your Direct to Player Bookshelf.  

This information is shared solely to enable the Alexa device to present information from CELA to you and play books as requested. CELA does not share any additional personal information with Amazon beyond what is necessary to provide this functionality. 

Since this skill operates on Amazon’s platform, all voice commands and interactions are governed by Amazon’s privacy practices. Users are encouraged to review Amazon's Privacy Notice for Alexa Devices to understand how Amazon collects, uses, and stores voice data and other information processed through Alexa.

Webinars and More Help

Webinars

Register for a live webinar to learn more about Accessible Reading Canada.

Amazon Help

For questions about your smart speaker, the Alexa app or website, or privacy inquiries, including setting up your Alexa device, please contact Amazon Help.

Amazon Alexa Accessibility Help

Amazon Privacy Policy for Echo Devices

CELA Contact Centre

For help with the Accessible Reading Canada skill, your CELA service, reporting issues and general feedback, please contact our Contact Centre.