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Why EPUB Accessibility Matters More Than Ever

January 14, 2026·6 min read

Over 1.3 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability. For many of them, digital books represent a level of access to reading that print books cannot offer — adjustable text size, screen reader compatibility, high contrast modes, and text-to-speech synthesis. But only if those digital books are built correctly.

What Is an Accessible EPUB?

An accessible EPUB is a digital book that can be used by people who are blind, have low vision, are dyslexic, or have motor impairments that prevent them from physically turning pages or using a standard reading interface.

Key features of an accessible EPUB include:

  • Semantic structure: Properly tagged headings, chapters, footnotes, and sidebars so screen readers can navigate meaningfully
  • Alt text for images: Every image has a text description that conveys its meaning
  • Reading order: The logical reading order matches the visual presentation on screen
  • No fixed layouts where avoidable: Reflowable content that adapts to the user's device and preferences
  • ARIA landmarks: Navigation points that allow assistive technologies to jump between sections

    • The Regulatory Landscape Is Changing

    In June 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) comes into force across the EU. It requires that all e-books and e-reading platforms sold within the EU comply with EPUB accessibility standards. Similar legislation exists in Canada and is being discussed in the UK and Australia.

    For publishers selling into European markets, accessibility is no longer optional — it is a legal requirement.

    The Business Case

    Beyond legal compliance, accessible books simply reach more readers. Libraries and academic institutions increasingly require WCAG and EPUB Accessibility 1.1 compliance before they will purchase or distribute titles. Major distributors are beginning to surface accessibility metadata in their search algorithms.

    An accessible book is also a better book for everyone. Structural tagging improves reading apps' ability to generate accurate tables of contents, chapter navigation, and search. These benefits extend to all readers, not just those with disabilities.

    What to Look for in an EPUB Conversion Service

    When commissioning e-book conversion, ask your provider:

  • Do you produce EPUB 3 (not EPUB 2)?
  • Do you include all EPUB Accessibility 1.1 metadata?
  • Do you validate against the DAISY Accessibility Checker (Ace by DAISY)?
  • Can you provide alt text creation as part of the service?

    • At Holograph PressWorks, accessibility is built into our standard EPUB conversion workflow. We do not treat it as an add-on.