Understanding Accessibility

What is accessibility?

Accessibility is the practice of providing tools to remove barriers that can prevent people with physical disabilities from accessing and experiencing content on websites, mobile apps and digital devices, such as ebook readers.

How does this affect me, as the author?

How does this benefit my readers?

Readers with visual disabilities often rely on screen reading software and devices, or need larger fonts to reduce eye strain. Readers with dyslexia may also benefit from adjustable font size and style. 

Additionally, alt text makes content accessible to those who may not fully understand the context of the image. Not only does it help readers with visual disabilities, those who simply find it a more pleasant reading experience, readers who have low vision or are in an environment with lighting that makes it more difficult to read.

When there are text-to-speech options, someone listening to a book will still have context if there are charts, graphs, illustrations or images that add to the listening experience. 

Accessible ebooks remove obstacles to readers attempting to access an author's content, and make their readership even more inclusive and diverse. 

The Four Principles (POUR)

WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is built on four core rules:

• Perceivable: Can you see or sense it?
  • Readers must be able to see, hear, or feel the content. For example adding alt text to images.
• Operable: Can you use it?
  • Working keyboard navigation (no mouse required).
• Understandable: Does it make sense?
  • Text and controls must be clear and predictable.
• Robust: Does it work everywhere?
  • Compatibility with screen readers and zoom tools.

Why accessibility standards require it

EPUB Accessibility standards require navigation for readers using assistive technologies to understand and move through a book without barriers, and have the same context as all other readers.
 

Further Reading

Click on a link below to read more about specific topic, and see examples. 

Alt Text

Table Headers

Missing Links

Headings

EPUB Navigation