What is it?
Accessible digital books and eBook readers provide flexible ways to access and interact with text electronically. Depending on the book and platform, readers may be able to enlarge text, adjust font and spacing, change contrast, use text-to-speech, look up words, highlight or annotate information, and navigate with a keyboard or screen reader. Examples include accessible EPUB books and platforms such as Bookshare, Apple Books, Kindle, and other digital reading tools.
How to use it?
Provide books in accessible digital formats and help learners explore the reading features that support their individual needs. A learner might enlarge text, listen while following along visually, adjust spacing or contrast, use a built-in dictionary, or highlight important information. When selecting digital books, check that the book itself, not just the reading app, is accessible, particularly for learners who rely on text-to-speech, screen readers, keyboard navigation, or alternative access methods.
Why use it?
A fixed print format does not work equally well for every reader. Digital books allow learners to customize how text is displayed, heard, and navigated without necessarily changing the content or learning goal. This flexibility can reduce barriers related to vision, decoding, physical access, attention, and print processing while increasing independence and access to a wider range of reading materials.
