Access to Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature (CAL) helps ensure that members can benefit from the message of hope and recovery, regardless of visual ability.

Many members turn to CAL for experience, strength, and hope between meetings. As part of Al-Anon’s commitment to barrier-free access to recovery from the family disease of alcoholism, the selection of CAL available in accessible formats continues to expand. Expanding access to literature through audiobooks and ebooks allows members with visual impairments to engage with recovery resources and the Al-Anon program in ways that meet their needs.

Al-Anon currently offers three titles for purchase in audiobook format:

Additionally, all current CAL book titles are now available as ebooks. Many ebooks offer features such as adjustable text size and compatibility with accessibility tools, depending on the platform and device used. These formats may also be helpful for members with other related challenges or temporary health limitations or who find value in listening to literature. Groups may also wish to include information about accessible CAL formats in newcomer packets, meeting announcements, websites, newsletters, and outreach materials.

Local accessibility services and library systems can help locate more specialized alternative formats of CAL that have been secured by the Library of Congress using the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) that appears on each book’s publication page. Patrons of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled can recommend that Al-Anon books be added to its collection. The World Service Office does not produce CAL in these specialized formats but cooperates with those agencies that can produce and distribute them, with permission, to visually impaired members.

Visit al-anon.org/shop to see a complete listing of Al-Anon’s ebooks and audiobooks. Select “Digital Products” under the “Products” tab to browse all titles.

The Forum, November 2026

“Inside Al-Anon Family Groups” presents news, policy, and commentary from volunteers, staff, and readers sharing experience through service. Please feel free to reprint these articles on your service structure website or newsletter, along with this credit line: Reprinted with permission of Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA.