Accessible and Adapted Publishing, a complementary approach

In the field of digital publishing, accessibility has become a priority to ensure that all readers, including those with disabilities, can access content equitably. Two main approaches stand out and complement each other: natively accessible publishing and adapted publishing. Although both methods aim to improve the reading opportunities available to people who are prevented from reading printed text, they differ in their approaches and implementations. This article explores the differences between these two types of publishing and examines their interoperability.

Natively Accessible Publishing

Natively accessible publishing consists of creating digital content designed to satisfy the largest number of people. These publications allow individuals to customise their reading experience, within the limits of the capabilities of the software used. This approach relies on the use of modern file formats, such as EPUB (Electronic Publication), and recognised international rules on the integration of accessibility features (WCAG).

The advantages of natively accessible publishing are numerous:

By integrating accessibility from the design stage, publishers ensure that the majority of readers can access content without delay or assistance, thereby promoting inclusion for people with disabilities.
Correcting accessibility is costly and time-consuming; the native approach is more rational and helps limit the production costs of derivative and complementary editions, particularly in formats adapted to specific needs.
Natively accessible content is well-structured, which makes it more durable over time and reusable for other purposes. The content is thus easier to understand and use, which generally improves the user experience and promotes broader, more diverse use of editorial resources.

However, this approach requires dedicated awareness and training for professionals in the publishing world (authors, editors, graphic designers, manufacturers, etc.), constant vigilance to ensure that all standards are respected, and results in a slight increase in production costs.

Adapted Publishing

Today, adapted publishing consists of modifying existing content to make it accessible to users with specific needs. This method is most often used for publications that have not been designed to be natively accessible. Nevertheless, its objective is broader since it aims to cover specific needs that cannot currently be addressed by natively accessible formats, such as pedagogical adaptations or reading modes that are too expensive to produce (large print, embossed braille, structured and synchronised audio or video, etc.). This is why it does not conflict with natively accessible publishing. It may involve converting file formats, different formats for images (tactile or raised, for example), modifying the layout to improve readability, or colourizing units of meaning.

The advantages of adapted publishing include:

Individualised response to particular needs, thus offering a solution to people who have difficulties handling digital books or for whom generic solutions remain insufficient.
Adaptations can be specifically designed to meet the particular needs of certain groups of readers who benefit from specific generic formats like Braille or Daisy, recognised for providing a reading experience equivalent to that of the printed book, particularly in terms of usability and cognitive understanding.

Nevertheless, adapted publishing remains costly and requires time and specialised skills to be produced correctly. Furthermore, adaptation processes are not standardised, and there is a lack of shared tools and common practices, which can lead to information loss.

Interoperability between the two approaches

Too often overlooked, the interoperability between native and adapted publishing is crucial to ensuring a consistent user experience. Publishers must ensure that adapted content can be seamlessly integrated into natively accessible environments, and vice versa.

To do this, it is essential to:

Adopt common and recognised accessibility standards, such as WCAG, to ensure a certain coherence between natively accessible and adapted content, and to avoid as much as possible that people have to learn to handle new formats.
Adaptation creators must be trained in accessibility principles and in the tools available for creating and adapting content.
Use a pivot format such as EPUB 3, which relies on HTML5 content, to generate other adapted formats, thereby facilitating the conversion and distribution of content in forms that best meet user needs.
Regular testing ensures that content remains accessible, even after modifications or updates.

Necessary convergence between mainstream and specialised reading tools

To ensure extended access to reading, it is essential that mainstream and specialised reading tools converge. Formats such as EPUB 3, which integrate advanced accessibility features, must be supported by all types of readers.

Conversely, it is welcome that certain general-public reading software, such as Thorium, supports the Daisy format. Furthermore, the adoption of LCP (Licensed Content Protection) DRM enables content protection while ensuring accessibility. OPDS (Open Publication Distribution System) catalogues also play a crucial role in facilitating the distribution of accessible content, enabling a complete reading journey from a single interface.

This convergence helps create an ecosystem where readers, whether they use mainstream or specialised tools, can access the same content fluidly and inclusively.

Conclusion

Natively accessible publishing and adapted publishing both play a crucial role in promoting digital accessibility. While natively accessible publishing is the long-term ideal, adapted publishing remains a viable solution for making existing content accessible and is indispensable for meeting specific needs. By combining these two approaches and ensuring their interoperability, publishers can offer an inclusive and equitable reading experience to all users.

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