
We take the printed word and make it accessible
About Accessible EPUBs
Thanks to advances in technology and the spread of digital content, it is now possible to provide unprecedented access to books for readers worldwide. However, the accessibility of digital materials is often an afterthought.
For print-disabled readers, ebook technology such as the EPUB format makes equitable access to content possible. CNIB has over a century of experience producing materials in alternate formats, therefore the notion of “born accessible”, creating accessible books right from the beginning, is our unique organizational mission.
The evolution of our EPUB production began with the adoption of DAISY standards, which emphasize incorporating accessibility features into publications to offer an enhanced reading experience for people who are blind, partially sighted or have print-disabilities. CNIB Beyond Print helps organizations produces accessible EPUB 3 publications that conform to the latest version of the standard.
Who is it for?
Creating materials in accessible formats are essential for organizations that want to reach wider audiences and ensure equitable access to their content. EPUBs can be used by any producer of digital content, ranging from large publishing houses to independent publishers and authors.
Accessible ePub Best Practices
The production of accessible EPUBs goes beyond special accessibility needs and should instead focus on creating rich and versatile content that can be used and shared by everyone. Accessible EPUB files ensure that all readers can inclusively access materials.
We adhere to the standards set out for making accessible EPUBs, notably those recommended by the IDPF (International Digital Publishing Forum), the W3C EPUB Accessibility Specification and the image description guidelines recommended by the DIAGRAM Center.
We produce EPUB 3 publications that conform to the latest version of the standard.
All major retailers and aggregators welcome EPUB 3 files. These files are also backwards compatible, meaning most older readers can access them.
Making an accessible EPUB, or remediating an EPUB?
Are you a publisher looking to make an accessible EPUB? Learn about the process and how it works.