eBooks and digital

eBooks can be read using an eBook reader (like the Kindle) or using an eBook app on computers, mobile phones, tablets (like iBooks on the iPad). You can read eBooks in large print, audio or in braille.

Hundreds of thousands of existing books have been published as eBooks and more are being added all the time. New books are published as eBooks at the same time as standard print. This means you can get books at the same time and price as sighted readers.

We can help you try, buy and borrow eBooks, as well as giving you some information to help you understand eBooks and advice on the general accessibility of eBooks.

Our Getting Started with eBooks Guide (Word, 58kb) is a good place to start.

Try eBooks

Many high street stores now sell eBook readers. Ask their staff to demonstrate how to enlarge the font or use synthetic speech where available.

Buy eBooks

Before you can buy an eBook, you need an eBook reader or app. There are several different ones available. Many offer accessibility options like text enlargement and some offer text-to-speech.

Borrow eBooks

Borrowing or sharing eBooks is not very common at the moment but some public libraries are starting to offer this type of service.

Confused? Read our page about understanding ebooks, get more detail about the accessibility of eBooks or check out the reading glossary for clear explanations.

Last updated: 7 May 2013

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Choosing an eBook reader or app

Read our guide to the accessibility of eBooks for reviews of specific eBook readers and apps. For a general overview of eBooks read our Understanding eBooks page.

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