Welcome to the Accessible publishing pages. We provide accessibility advice, guidance and best practice for publishers to help you to deliver accessible publications.
Why publish accessibly?
There are many benefits from publishing accessibly including commercial, ethical and legal reasons for implementing accessibility into your publishing strategy.
Dowload our leaflet 'Can Everyone Read Your Books?' that explains the role each part of the industry can play in providing accessible books.
Joint statement on accessibility and eBooks
RNIB has worked with the publishers association, EDItEUR, Dyslexia Action and JisTechDis to launch a joint statement on the accessibility of eBooks. It has the support of the Society of Authors, the Association of Authors Agents and other organisations such as the Macular Society.
The joint statement applauds the advancements that have been made with accessible eBooks so far but encourages everyone involved in the supply chain to work together.
This will allow everyone to enjoy the widest choice of publications through whatever medium works best for them. We encourage you to sign up to the joint statement by contacting the publishers association.
Technical guidance
Find out how to build accessibility into digital workflows and how to create accessible eBooks and digital formats.
WIPO's Enabling Technologies Framework Project, run by EDItEUR and the DAISY Consortium , has developed best practice guidelines for publishers to follow in their production process.
Research
Accessible titles research
RNIB has commissioned research into the availability of accessible versions of the most popular books in the UK. The findings for 2012 will be available from late June 2013. In 2011, 76 per cent of the top 1,000 titles were available in braille, audio and large print, including titles available in these formats using accessible eBooks.
However the 'Accessible publications 2011' research study found that just seven per cent of all books were available in braille, audio and large print, including titles available in these formats using eBooks.
Download audio book research
RNIB commissioned independent research from i2 media research limited to better understand the current use of downloadable audio books by blind and partially sighted readers. Seeking their views on using these new systems.
The result is a fascinating report which highlights many positive experiences from those who are using downloadable audio books but also details the main reasons from other blind and partially sighted audio book readers for not using downloadable versions.
A copy of the full research report can be obtained from publisheradvice@rnib.org.uk or by phoning 020 7391 2150.
eBook Reader Accessibility
An accessible eBook still requires an eBook reader to have certain characteristics in order for a reader with sight loss to be able to read the resulting eBook.
RNIB, alongside the other organisations forming the Right to Read Alliance, works with manufacturers to encourage them to build accessibility into their reading devices and software apps.
RNIB's guidance on the key features an eBook reader needs in order to be accessible to someone with a print disability is practical and clear. It has been endorsed by the World Blind Union:
This document will be updated to keep track of advances in technology.
Ways of reading
Learn about the different ways blind and partially sighted people read using digital material. This will illustrate how the files and formats you create can affect the reading experience for people with sight problems and other print impairments.
Further resources
There are many sources of guidance and best practice on accessible publishing available to you from other organisations like The Publishers Association, JISC TechDis, EDItEUR, WIPO and many others.
Feedback
Do you require further information or more detail?
To give us feedback on existing guidance or to request more information on any aspect of accessible publishing, email publisheradvice@rnib.org.uk or phone 020 7391 3269.