Reading is for everyone: Accessible reading solutions
An article by Cheryl Ezekiel.
Reading is an integral part of life, and it remains an essential medium of knowledge, education, and leisure. However, in the UK millions of people with visual impairments, dyslexia, learning disabilities, or mobility challenges, struggle to access traditional reading amenities. The UK has and continues to work towards making reading accessible to everyone. Some of these methods include, accessible infrastructure, assistive technologies, easier user interfaces and dedicated services to ensure the ease of reading. This article explores the various innovations incorporating efficient methods to drive accessibility forward, and how these resources empower individuals to read without limits.
Enhancing traditional reading
Traditional print books often present significant barriers for individuals with disabilities. Therefore, accessible formats have been developed to cater to a wide range of needs, enabling readers to enjoy books in formats tailored to their abilities.
Especially children. As children grasp information readily at a younger age, it is imperative to ensure that even children with disabilities are capable of accessing knowledge without any constraints.
Large Print Books are a simple example, yet an effective solution for readers with visual impairments. They are available in public libraries and bookstores all across the UK, these books feature larger font sizes and legible styles making the text easier to read. Organisations such as the RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) offer extensive catalogues of large print materials (RNIB, 2019).
Braille has long been a cornerstone of accessible reading for those with blindness, severe visual impairments or hearing impairments. Through tactile characters, Braille enables readers to experience written text/words using touch. The RNIB Library, the largest of its kind in the UK, offers thousands of titles in Braille, from literary classics to modern bestsellers.
Audiobooks have gained widespread popularity amongst all readers, but for individuals with disabilities, they are an invaluable resource. Services like Audible and the Calibre Audio Library provide a vast selection of narrated books, spanning fiction, non-fiction, and educational materials. For those unable to read standard print due to illness or disability, charities like Listening Books offer free or low-cost access to thousands of audiobooks.
Finally, e-books with adjustable settings have revolutionised accessibility. E-readers like Kindle allow users to modify font size, text spacing, contrast, and background colours to suit their visual or cognitive needs. These customisations adhere particularly to individuals with dyslexia or low vision, providing them with the flexibility to read comfortably.
New Tech
A range of technologically advanced tools have been designed to assist individuals in accessing reading materials. One of the most widely used technologies is screen readers, which convert on-screen text into speech or Braille. Programs such as JAWS, NVDA, and Apple’s VoiceOver allow visually impaired individuals to navigate digital content easily.
Some people prefer listening over reading, text-to-speech tools like NaturalReader and Speechify offer software and apps that transform written text into audio. These are invaluable for people with learning disabilities or those who find it easier to grasp information aurally.
Electronic magnifiers help people with low vision to enlarge text on printed materials, making it possible for users to read newspapers, books, and other documents with ease. Similarly, refreshable Braille displays, which convert digital text into Braille characters, provide a dynamic reading experience for blind individuals.
Individuals who are dyslexic can use, tools such as reading pens and tinted overlays help reduce the stress of reading. Reading pens scan text and read it aloud, offering an interactive and accessible way to engage with written material. Tinted overlays and lenses, on the other hand, help minimise visual discomfort by altering the contrast and brightness of text.
Libraries and Services
Libraries and non-profit organisations in the UK play a crucial role in promoting reading accessibility. The RNIB Library is an important resource providing free access to Braille, large print, and audiobooks for individuals with visual and hearing impairments. Even the Calibre Audio Library, a free service for those unable to read print, offers a diverse collection of audiobooks covering a wide range of genres.
Public libraries also cater to accessibility needs by stocking large print books, audiobooks, and e-books. Many libraries partner with platforms like OverDrive and BorrowBox, allowing users to borrow accessible digital books from the comfort of their homes.
For children with visual impairments, the ClearVision Project offers Braille picture books that families can borrow. Thereby, encouraging early literacy.
Education and Work
The UK’s commitment to accessibility is reinforced by legalities such as the Equality Act 2010 (Gov.uk, 2010) which makes sure that educational institutions, libraries, and publishers provide accessible materials. Schools often use assistive technologies and customised resources to support students with reading difficulties, ensuring they can grasp data just as well.
Programs like Access to Work also provide funding for assistive technologies, helping individuals with disabilities succeed in their jobs or studies.
Digital Reading Platforms:
Recently, digital platforms have transformed accessible reading. Bookshare UK is one of the examples, offering a comprehensive library of accessible e-books in formats such as audio, Braille, and large print. It is designed for individuals with dyslexia, blindness, or other disabilities. Its vast catalogue allows everyone to access the books they need for education or leisure.
Another example is the Dolphin EasyReader App, which allows users to access a range of accessible reading content, including newspapers, audiobooks, and e-books. The app is particularly beneficial for readers with low vision or dyslexia, as it provides customisable settings to enhance the reading experience.
Accessible reading is about empowering individuals to connect with stories, information, and ideas. Whether through Braille, audiobooks, or e-books, the UK’s commitment to accessibility ensures reading remains a universal experience, enriching the lives of people from all walks of life.
As the world evolves, so will ease life for all. The future promises a world where no reader is left behind.
- Gov.uk (2010). Equality Act 2010. [online] Legislation.gov.uk. Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents.
- RNIB (2019). Welcome to RNIB. [online] RNIB - See differently. Available at: https://www.rnib.org.uk/.
This article is not sponsored by or affiliated with any businesses, companies and organisations mentioned.
