Accessibility

How Blind Individuals Navigate Ebooks: A User’s Experience

Ebooks are one of these technological solutions which make literature and knowledge more available for blind individuals. Thanks to modern tools, such as speech synthesisers and screen readers, they are able to read on their computers or smartphones. This technology enables them to navigate chapters, paragraphs or even single words or letters. What does this process look like and what technical solutions affect the comfort and efficiency of reading?

Semantic HTML: What it is and why it matters in ebooks

Semantic elements are elements of the HTML language which determine the structure and purpose of website content and digital documents, such as ebooks. Unlike non-semantic elements, used mainly for formatting, the purpose of semantic elements is to convey information about the function and meaning of each section of the document.

Metadata: The Key to Accessibility

Well-constructed metadata is key to the discoverability and availability of digital publications. They create the first impression of a book, encouraging potential readers to read or buy it. The importance of metadata grows as more and more ebooks are available on the market. In the context of the accessibility of ebooks, it will grow by leaps and bounds in June 2025 once the European Accessibility Act (EAA) comes into force. It is also worth mentioning that publishers use metadata for market analysis and production planning.

Braille Displays and eBooks: Reading Without Barriers

Although it is still possible to buy printed books, electronic books are taking over the market. Nowadays, one can read ebooks not only using computers, laptops, ebook readers or reading programmes but also braille, the tactile writing system for blind individuals, invented by L. Braille in the 19th century.

E-Book Accessibility for Screen Readers: What You Need to Know

In the digital era, as electronic books gain more and more popularity and often replace printed books, the availability of these publications for every reader becomes a priority. Special attention needs to be paid to the needs of blind and visually impaired individuals as their way of reading digital text is different, and thanks to developing technologies and a proper preparation of a digital book they too have a wider and wider access to news and literature. The aim of this article is to describe the challenges met by ebook users, as well as the solutions which will enable them to fully access digitized information.

Understanding Screen Readers: What They Are and How They Work

Screen readers are a vital tool which enables blind and visually impaired individuals to use computers and smartphones. Thanks to them, the digital world becomes available to everyone regardless of any eye impairments they might have.

Why Is eBook Accessibility Important for Blind and Visually Impaired Individuals?

Every publisher wants their products to reach as large a group of readers as possible. To this end, they try to follow new trends, listen to their prospective clients and respond to said clients’ needs. This is why paper books are being replaced by electronic books, commonly known as ebooks.