Why Accessible Publishing Matters to Readers With Cognitive Disabilities

[Approximate Reading Time : 4 mins]

E-books and other electronic formats provide a number of opportunities for accessible publishing, which is quickly becoming an industry norm. However, many publishers focus on readers with physical disabilities such as visual or hearing impairment, which leaves an entire demographic overlooked. With new digital tools offering so much potential to serve people with cognitive disabilities, it’s vital to understand how accessible publishing is beneficial for these readers.

New Opportunities for an Underserved Demographic

In the United States, approximately 14.3 million people live with some form of cognitive disability, from dementia to traumatic head injuries to autism. That’s a huge segment of the population potentially denied access to engaging content due to circumstances beyond their control.

However, research into the effects of information and communication technologies have shown how accessible publishing can benefit people with cognitive disabilities, including strides made in education and social interaction. This new avenue for knowledge and community helps individuals remain integrated in society and lead fulfilling, productive lives.

A Wide Spectrum of Needs

One of the major hurdles for providing accessibility to a printed format is the diversity of difficulties these readers may face, such as the following:

• Memory issues
• Mobility issues
• Low literacy
• Difficulty processing new information

Each of these difficulties can affect how audiences interact with content. Unfortunately, there is no one easy formatting solution to these issues since they can vary by individual. The best way to tackle this problem is to make interaction customizable on multiple levels so readers can consume content in the way most suitable for them.

Good Design Is Better for Everyone

While special print formats may require additional labor and resources to produce, digital formats can be made accessible for everyone from the start. Even readers without disabilities may find options like adjustable font sizes or audio dubbing enhance their reading experience. Online media has set a new standard when it comes to the variety of ways an audience can consume content, which means readers expect more from electronic formats in general. Accessible publishing can help companies rise to the occasion.

Amnet understands how accessible publishing is beneficial for people with cognitive disabilities, which is why they offer services to help you engage with all audiences.

Sources:
https://www.fcc.gov/cgb-releases-white-paper-access-issues-information-and-communication-technologies-people-cognitive
http://ncdae.org/resources/articles/cognitive/