Accessible collections and resources

The Bpi offers books and digital resources accessible to all, some of which are specifically designed for people with difficulties accessing books and reading (visual or motor impairments, dys disorders, etc.), as well as methods and resources for self-learning French sign language and Braille.

Are the texts in books difficult to read? To help you consult the Bpi’s documents (books, magazines, etc.), discover our reading assistance equipment and services: reading booths, specific equipment, etc.
Information available at the reception desk on the 2nd floor.

Easy-to-Read area

This section presents a selection of works whose layout, content, and vocabulary are simple but not simplistic, chosen from current publications. These works may be suitable for people who are illiterate, learning French, or living with disabilities: books and magazines in large print, Easy to Read and Understand (FALC) books, or books accessible to people with dyslexia.

You will find this area on the second floor, opposite the library entrance.

Learn French Sign Language

The Bpi offers resources for learning French Sign Language (LSF) and discovering deaf culture:

• Numerous methods for learning LSF from level A1 to a more advanced level;
• Grammar books to help you explore specific points in greater depth;
• Conversation guides to help you practice;
• Bilingual dictionaries and picture books;
• Themed books for learning specific vocabulary (love, historical periods, etc.);
• Books in LSF adapted for young children to encourage communication between parents and children;
• Stories dubbed in LSF thanks to a selection of educational DVDs; 
• More general books on deaf culture.

Find these resources on the 3rd floor, in the Self-Study Area.

The Toutapprendre resource, accessible at the Bpi and remotely, also offers free training in LSF. It includes an online module entitled “LSF: Getting Started,” a comprehensive introductory course by Lingua Attack, as well as a series of themed courses for everyday conversation or advanced practice, and modules for communicating with young children.

Learn about Braille

A selection of books is dedicated to introducing and raising awareness of Braille. This collection is aimed at complete beginners, parents of blind or visually impaired children, teachers, educators, and anyone who is curious to learn more.

You can find it on the third floor, in the Self-Study Area.

Read or listen to the press

The Bpi provides numerous digital resources in all disciplines: press, language learning methods, humanities and social sciences, literature, music, arts, IT, fashion, etc. Two press resources are particularly accessible to people with visual impairments. They are available on site at the Bpi or remotely, after registration:

• Vocale presse: this platform provides access to 55 French press titles. It reads aloud articles from national newspapers and magazines, including Alternatives économiques, Courrier international, Géo, Le Monde, etc.
  This resource offers large print display and several settings options: voice, text color, speech speed, spelling out words or sentences, etc.
• Pressreader: this online newsstand provides access to nearly 7,000 publications in over 60 languages, including Ouest-France, Washington Post, So Foot, Psychologies, and more.
  This resource offers accessible features such as keyboard navigation, audio playback, and article mode for reading publications.

To enjoy it remotely for free, simply follow these steps:

1. Create your Bpi account and log in.
2. Fill out the registration form for the Our remote resources service.
3. Complete your registration by sending us valid proof of your disability by email to lecture-handicap@bpi.fr. The Bpi does not keep this document.

Finding adapted e-books

The DADVSI law of August 1, 2006 provides for an exception to copyright in order to promote access to reading for people with disabilities. It allows for the production and distribution of adapted books in digital format, which complement the commercial offerings already available.

Digital files of adapted books are made available on the Platon database (Platform for the Transfer of Digital Works).

For more information, visit the page: How to obtain an adapted book with the disability exception to copyright?

An accessible catalog

The Bpi pays particular attention to the digital accessibility of its website and catalog in order to offer improved usability and easier navigation for all users.