Accessible Ebooks

 

Orca books are accessible books! Orca is committed to an ongoing effort to bring its entire book catalog up to accessible ebook standards. All new books published by Orca will be “born accessible,” which means building accessible ebooks starts at the beginning of the book’s creation.

Our goal is to reach more readers, wherever they are at, with whatever format they need or want. Accessibility in the broader sense has always been a part of our mandate and this is the latest effort we are making to ensure young readers have every opportunity to read.


Why do we need accessible ebooks?

Accessible ebooks enrich the reading experience for children and teens who are blind, have low vision or are colour blind, have difficulty holding books or turning pages, are neurodivergent or have dyslexia.


How can you find accessible ebooks on our website?

Use the drop-down menu under “Books” and select “Accessible ebooks.” Once you are on the Accessible ebooks page, use the filters on the left-hand side or the sort options at the top to display titles from specific Orca series, from newest to oldest, etc.

If you are browsing on the Orca website, all books with an accessible ebook will include an “Accessibility Features” tab on the product page.


What are the features of accessible ebooks?

Accessible ebooks allow readers to:

  • Understand the content of images, graphics, and photos through detailed descriptions of images
  • Navigate the text in multiple ways using the table of contents, hierarchical titles and enhanced wayfinding structures
  • Use page lists to match page numbers to print editions
  • Reach the chosen part of the text using the index and start reading from the desired page
  • Identify and read bulleted and numbered lists
  • Customize text and layout including background colour
  • Screen reader and text-to-speech friendly
  • Behind the scenes, digital data includes information that allows libraries and online retailers to understand the accessibility features of a book

Customizable Text and Layout

Text and layout can be adjusted for text size and colour, background colour, and layout to support individual reading preferences.

Described Images

Non-text content includes descriptive text, such as alt-text and long descriptions.

Table of Contents and Structured Navigation

Page elements are labelled and structured in a meaningful sequence.

Screen Reader and Text-to-Speech (TTS) friendly

Structured for screen readers and text-to-speech tools, including assistive technologies and browser plugins.

Bookmarks and Highlights

Add bookmarks and save highlighted passages.

ARIA Roles

ARIA roles clarify semantic elements of this ebook, making it easier for screen readers and assistive technologies to understand the contents of the book.


Where can I buy or borrow accessible ebooks?

  • You can purchase accessible ebooks on the Orca website. Your ebook will be supplied through the Orca Digital reading platform and app.
  • Accessible ebooks are available from your favourite ebook seller or library