Accessible publishing - useful organisations

There are many other sources of advice and guidance on accessible publishing available.

WIPO's Enabling Technologies Framework Project

WIPO's Enabling Technologies Framework Project is a three-year international project endorsed by the Stakeholders Platform of WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organisation), run by EDItEUR and the DAISY Consortium .

The focus of work has been to develop best practice guidelines for publishers to follow in their production process and where appropriate to integrate existing standards (including ONIX, ePub and DAISY) into mainstream publishing in ways that enhance these best practices.

The accessibile publishing best practice guidance is available in English, French, Spanish, German and Japanese.

Contact Sarah Hilderley at EDItEUR for more information.

JISC TechDis

JISC TechDis aims to support the education sector in achieving greater accessibility and inclusion by stimulating innovation and providing expert advice and guidance on disability and technology.

eBooks

JISC TechDis have produced guidance on the use of eBooks and electronic formats in the education sector. They have also written guidance on accessible eBook platforms.

Sourcing alternative formats

JISC TechDis have produced guidance specifically for library staff and learner support staff on sourcing alternative formats of titles for disabled learners.

They have also worked with the Publishers Association to set up the Publisher LookUp website, which aims to make it easier:

  • for those in the education sector who need to source electronic formats of textbooks for students with disabilities
  • to find key contact details for publishers
  • for publishers to ensure enquiries get to the right department in the right timescale.

Publisher Accessibility Newsletter

The Publisher Accessibility Newsletter is published twice a year by the Accessibility Action Group and gives an overview of activities underway throughout the accessibility arena in the UK and internationally.

Email Sharon Robinson at PLS to recive this newsletter or for more information.

Publishers Association

The Publishers Association works on behalf of publishers on various accessibility initiatives to improve access to books for people with print impairments.

Text to speech recommendation

The Publishers Association, with the endorsement of the Society of Authors and the Association of Authors' Agents, recommends that text to speech is routinely enabled on all eBooks across all relevant platforms, at least where there is no audiobook edition commercially available.

Right to Read Alliance

The Right to Read Alliance is an alliance of 23 charities, including RNIB, with a strong track record of partnership and collaboration with the book industry.

'Can everyone read your books?' is their advice leaflet offers practical steps, as well as signposting to sources of guidance, for making books more accessible.

Books for All

CALL Scotland and Hodder Gibson are developing a service for providing print-disabled pupils in Scotland with accessible digital copies of books in PDF, books for all. They are suitable for pupils with visual impairment, physical disability or dyslexia.

Feedback

To give us feedback on this page or to add a suggested organisation to it, contact publisheradvice@rnib.org.uk or phone 020 7391 2150

Last updated: 22 May 2013

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