If you’re familiar with accessible content, you’ve likely heard of these two terms: accessible audiobooks and accessible EPUBs. They both serve blind and low-vision readers exceptionally well, but they’re not the same, and each shines in different scenarios. Here’s a practical, plain-language guide to help explain the difference between the two formats.
What is an Accessible Audiobook?
An accessible audiobook is a digital audio version of a book that is designed specifically for people with print disabilities, such as blindness, low vision, or dyslexia. Unlike a standard audiobook, it allows the listener to navigate easily by chapters, sections, or pages. Most accessible audiobooks are created in the DAISY 2.02 format, which provides enhanced navigation and accessibility features. To use a DAISY audiobook, the listener needs a DAISY-compatible player or software, ensuring the full content is usable with assistive technology.
What is an Accessible EPUB?
An accessible EPUB is similar to a standard EPUB you might read on a Kobo, Kindle, or other e-reader, but it includes additional navigation and accessibility features for blind and low-vision readers. Screen readers can read the text aloud, users can navigate by headings, chapters, or pages, and the text can be resized or reformatted to suit different needs. Essentially, it combines the familiar experience of an e-book with tools that make it fully accessible to those relying on assistive technology.
How Described Video Canada Can Help
At Described Video Canada, we specialize in producing accessible audiobooks in the DAISY 2.02 format, making content fully usable for blind and low-vision readers with DAISY-compatible players. While we do not currently offer accessible EPUB production, we work closely with our clients to ensure their books meet the highest accessibility standards, providing a reliable, professional solution for reaching audiences who rely on assistive technology.
