Ebooks

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are EBSCO eBooks accessible?
• What is the difference between reading EBSCO eBooks online vs. offline (downloaded)?
• How do DRM-protected and DRM-free eBooks compare in terms of accessibility?
• What is the process for requesting a remediated eBook file?
• Do EBSCO eBooks include image descriptions?
• How do PDF and EPUB books compare in terms of accessibility?
• Do EBSCO eBooks have any copy or print limitations?
• What reading options are recommended for reading EBSCO eBooks with different assistive technologies?
• What screen readers work with EBSCO eBooks?
• What are the recommended screen reader and browser combinations for EBSCO eBooks?
• How are saved PDF chapters accessible?
• How does EBSCO test its products for accessibility?
• How can I tell if a PDF is an image/scan or if text is being delivered?
• Are EBSCO eBooks compatible with other tools like Kurzweil, Read and Write Gold, Natural Reader, ClaroRead, or any clipboard reader tools? These are commonly used by dyslexic readers.
• Is there a way for users to search for only eBooks with particular access features?
• How does JAWS deal with images and charts? In PDF? In EPUB?
• What are the accessibility advantages of the EPUB3 format?

 Accessibility Statement Ebook Central states the platform is designed to meet:

• Level AA of the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0)
• Section 508 of the US Rehabilitation Act for features and functions

The online reader has been tested with:

• JAWS + IE
• VoiceOver + Safari

Enable Accessibility Mode in Your Ebook Central Profile

Accessibility Software for EPUB Format

A lot of  our ebooks are available in epub format and this is considered more accessible than the pdf format. 

Ahead Ireland recommends the following software. 

Dolphin EasyReader (charge for Windows) Free for android 

Thorium epub reader (free)

Each of our ebook platforms has accessibility features. Please let us know if you have any issues or any tips for us that might help others. We will try and test these platforms and provide help. 

Accessibility features in Microsoft Edge – built in screen reader.  Ctrl + Shift + U on KEYBOARD starts or stops screen reader.