Accessible formats and providers

Image shows a child listening to an audiobook using headphones

There are many ways for children and young people with vision impairment to enjoy books and stories. This page shares information on accessible formats, reading providers, and professional support to adapt reading for your child.

Choosing the right format

Books and stories come in many different formats and there are lots of providers and supporting resources to think about too. Deciding on and finding the right materials and support your child can open up whole story worlds for them, allowing them to choose when they want to dive into books by themselves and when they want to read and share stories with others.

There are lots of different accessibility options, so it’s important to consult eye health, social care and education professionals when deciding what to buy or put in place for your child.

When you’re trying things out for yourself at home, take it one step at a time. Give your child time and space to explore what feels comfortable and enjoyable for them.

For more information on specialist reading adaptations, visit our pages on reading aids and environments.

Professional support

Specialist professionals can give advice tailored to your child’s individual needs. These include:

Qualified Teachers of Vision Impairment (QTVIs)
Habilitation Specialists (RQHSs)
Occupational Therapists (OTs)
Low Vision Clinics

These specialists may be able to help identify the most appropriate accessible reading options for your child.

Find out more about the professionals that support you and your child on our page:

Who does what in eye care?

For early guidance, contact your QTVI and Low Vision Clinic.

Accessible book and story formats

Books come in many different formats and choosing the right one can take time, practice, and support.

Common accessible formats include:

Audio
Braille
E-books
Giant print (font sizes above n18)
Large print (font sizes n16 to n18)
Regular print (font sizes n10 to n12 but can be up to n14)
Sensory items that aid storytelling
Shared reading (dual format books with braille and print text)
Tactile images

You can find out more about audio, braille, e-book, giant print, and large print options on our Reading pages:

Reading - different ways to read | RNIB

For some children, having the same titles available in multiple formats (e.g. one title in both audiobook and e-book formats) gives them the choice to keep reading if they experience vision fatigue.

Reading in different formats involves learning different reading skills, some of which are taught by education professionals. Each format has its pros and cons, and you, your child, and any professionals can explore these together. Your child could try one format at a time with you supporting in the background or actively reading with them. They decide on their preferred way of reading, both on their own and together with you.

Accessible reading providers

Here are some organisations that provide specialist reading materials in different formats:

Access2Books – Giant print and Braille books as well as packs that help libraries promote inclusive reading.
Bag Books – free and paid sensory stories and training their use.
Books for All – Call Scotland – books for the Scottish curriculum in accessible formats.
Calibre Audio - audiobook lending for people with print disabilities offering:
free membership for under 25s
low-cost membership for anyone aged 25 and over.
school membership options
ClearVision Project – shared reading books with braille, print, and tactile pictures for children of all ages.
Guide Dogs CustomEyes – books customised to an individual’s preferred modified large-print format for the Recommended Retail Price of that book for home use and education settings.
Living Paintings – tactile images and books and braille resources for use at home and in education.
My Kind of Book provides inclusive stories in different font sizes, e-books, and books with sensory resources.
RNIB Bookshare – Reading books and education resources such as revision guides and textbooks in multiple formats. Schools and vision support services can sign up for a free account and then provide learners and families with login details for homework.
RNIB Library – e-books, audio books and braille music scores through a variety of digital formats plus reading lists, reviews, and commentaries on the website.
RNIB Newsagent provides magazines in multiple formats.
RNIB Shop – braille, large-print, and tactile shared reading books.
RSBC Bedtime Donations – free audiobooks for children with vision impairment.
Early Years Resources – Storysacks and Story Sets with sensory and tactile materials.

Early years resources

Introducing reading early helps children build a lifelong love of stories. BookTrust offers free resources that guide parents and carers introducing books and stories to babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers with vision impairment:

Delivering Bookstart additional needs | BookTrust

You can also explore Early Years Resources for sensory and tactile stories designed for early learning:

Early Years Resources