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Disability and Dyslexia Support

Information on how the Library supports accessibility and inclusivity.

Online resource and e-book accessibility

Many of the online resources we subscribe to have accessibility features built in.  We are currently working to provide links to the accessibility statements for all our online resources through the Databases A-Z list.

If a journal article or report is not compatible with your assistive technology then you may be able to convert the document using Sensus Access.

E-book accessibility

Each e-book platform has different accessibility features.

If an e-book platform or publisher resources are not compatible with your assistive software then you may be able to make use of our alternative formats service if you are registered with the Disability and Dyslexia Team.

E-book platforms’ accessibility statements

Each e-book platform has their own accessibility statement which we have linked for your convenience:

E-book formats

E-books come in a range of formats, each with different accessibility features.  The following list out lines the typical formats you will encounter and their accessibility features.  

HTML

  • Usually accessible with text-to-speech and screen reading software
  • Can usually be copied and pasted
  • Quicker and more straightforward to access online without the need to download them
  • Useful for people who cannot open downloaded files on their device

PDF Online

  • Similar in appearance and layout to a print book which some people prefer over HTML
  • Quicker and more straightforward to access online without the need to download
  • Useful for people who cannot open downloaded files on their device

PDF Download

Downloadable PDF files which have been structured for accessibility can be navigated by screen reading software.  These allow the use of inbuilt accessibility features in PDF reader software such as Adobe Reader.  These include:

  • Enlarging text
  • Reflow
  • Changing font and background colours
  • Text-to-speech

NB not all PDF files have been structured for accessibility. 

You can attend an EDU-Tech drop-in for support in using assistive technology with PDFs. Sensus Access will allow you to convert a PDF to your preferred format where you can edit it to make it more accessible.

EPUB and EPUB3

EPUBs are the file type most often seen when using Kindle, Apple Books or Dolphin Easy Reader.

  • EPUBs are created with accessibility in mind and to a set of standards, unlike other formats
  • EPUB3 has the ability to present the text in a range of ways to suit the reader.