IPEd releases second edition of “Books Without Barriers”

The Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd) has released the second edition of accessible publishing guide Books Without Barriers, co-published with the Australian Publishers Association.

The free guide provides advice about accessibility considerations in all stages of book publishing. IPEd describes it as a “practical guide to understanding and preventing the barriers to reading that people with print disability encounter if their needs are not supported throughout the publishing process”.

The guide covers planning for inclusive publishing; developing content; describing images and tables; and producing accessible books. This revised edition includes the latest international research as well as feedback from users of the first edition, and covers emerging technologies and generative AI.

IPEd said, “Everyone involved in the book publishing process should know how to prepare text and images so that people who read through hearing or touch don’t miss out on information that is conveyed visually. Books Without Barriers offers detailed guidance on how to prevent the barriers to reading that people with print disability encounter when their needs are not supported.”

First published in 2023, Books Without Barriers was written by IPEd members and reviewed by specialists including publishers, researchers, individuals with print disability, writers and editors.

Category: Local news