STM publisher Elsevier, Netherlands, has announced that it has enabled the text-to-speech option on all of its ePub book titles. The text-to-speech function enables an e-book to read aloud, facilitating access by readers who would otherwise face a range of access challenges through blindness, dyslexia or motor difficulties.
With 10-15 percent of the global population struggling with some form of print disability, the accessibility of publications is seen to be essential to open up access for a broad array of people. Text-to-speech enables access by people with disabilities who might otherwise struggle to see, read or interact with e-books. Elsevier is committed to providing universal access to quality content in sustainable ways, and works to identify and close access gaps, according to the company. For those who struggle to see or read text, e-books that read aloud can provide a powerful form of access. This will make it easier for bright and talented people who happen to have print disabilities to become scientists in the future.
Recognised for its accessibility efforts by receipt of the first Publisher Lookup Award in April 2010 Elsevier claims to be active in accessible publishing initiatives at industry level, cooperating with industry bodies such as the International Publishers Association (IPA), the Federation of European Publishers (FEP), the Publishers Association (PA), the World Intellectual Property Organisation and the International Association of Scientific, Technical and Medical Publishers (STM).
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