Textbook Accessibility

Choosing Materials

Before choosing a textbook, be sure to ask the publisher the following questions about its accessibility.  

• In what formats (e.g., print, audio, ePub3) is the book available?
  Multiple formats are preferred.
  
• How accessible are the latest editions?
  The big book publishers have recently made a lot of progress in accessibility.
• Are digital formats of the book accessible by people with disabilities?
  • Text must be renderable.
  • Images, figures and tables must have alternative text.
  • Online interactive content must be accessible.

Important Notes:

• All textbook-coordinated materials (e.g., slide presentations, tests, quizzes, worksheets) supplied by the publisher must also be available in accessible formats.
• Digital Rights Management Software tools control permissions on e-content and lock them content cannot be copied.  This can cause an access issue. Publishers that use this technology should have contact information for people who need access.
• If you have a question about if an accessible version of a textbook exists please contact accessibility@ncsu.edu.