Accessible Book Publishing, a Dutch Model

Accessible Book Publishing, a Dutch Model

Accessible Book Publishing, a Dutch model In my presentation I will show how a specialised comprehensive service for accessible books can be combined with and reinforced by good relationship and co-operation with publishers. In the Netherlands people with a print disability have access to a service which provides them with accessible versions of books, newspapers, magazines and educational materials. The available formats are braille, audio, digital text, enlargements (large print and digital), tactile images or combinations of these formats. The Dutch Libraries for the Print Disabled are Dedicon, the Centre for Adapted Reading and the Christian Library for the Blind. Their service is anchored by law and funded by the Dutch government. The relationship between Dedicon and publishers has a longstanding history and has always been constructive. The European implementation of the Marrakesh Treaty facilitates the possibilities for production of accessible information even more. Not only by allowing for cross border exchange, but also by defining a clear exception in the copyright law for the print-disabled. Still, a fruitful model of close co-operation with Dutch publishers is essential and enables a fast and efficient production of accessible materials. Moreover, Dedicon coordinated a structural broad consultation with publishers and other stakeholders which has led to an inclusive publishing programme. In this programme the awareness of the need for accessible publishing by mainstream publishers is being raised. Mainstream publishers are being taught how to implement most basic requirements for accessibility. First positive results are reported. The need for the production of accessible information by specialised organisations like Dedicon will remain in the coming years. However the ultimate goal that every publisher publishes all information inclusively is coming a bit closer.