RYA Publications is at the forefront of promoting accessibility, making sure that every student, including those with visual impairments, print disabilities or those with learning differences such as dyslexia, can access educational resources.
Converting publications into accessible formats, such as EPUBs published through Apple Books or Google Play Books with text-to-speech functions, helps learners with differing abilities and requirements to access specific RYA content based on their individual needs.
To celebrate their efforts, RYA Publications has entered the prestigious WIPO Accessible Books Consortium (ABC) International Excellence Award 2023. This coveted award recognises significant contributions to promoting inclusivity and accessibility.
RYA Publications’ Sarah Pavey is delighted with the team’s entry and explained, “We’ve been working towards achieving the highest accessibility standards since 2017 and we’re extremely proud of how far we’ve come. Entering this award is testament to our proud achievements. We understand that accessibility requirements will always be changing alongside technological advancements, but our aim is to maintain a high standard across all of our eBooks. Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience an equitable reading experience, and providing accessible content is more than just the ‘right thing to do’ for us.”
Blind sailor David Kelly’s story exemplifies the impact of RYA Publications’ accessibility initiatives. Despite losing his sight 18 years ago, David was determined to take a powerboat course. To help him overcome the challenges involved, RYA Publications collaborated with David’s instructors to create an accessible version of the supporting course book. This allowed him to a variety of accessibility features on his iPhone, including text-to-speed, full image descriptions, and easily navigable headings. Read the full story here.
The eagerly awaited winners of the ABC International Excellence Award will be revealed during a prestigious ceremony on October 30, 2023.