Accessibility features for eBooks
Using screen reader software
If you wish to use screen reader software, downloading the eBook first is recommended.
You can use Adobe Digital Editions with the following screen readers:
For further help, contact the Librarian team, a Diversity, Disability and Inclusion Adviser, or check our Support for Clients with Disabilities page.
Reading online: browser accessibility features and add-ins
- Some eBook platforms allow you to change the size, font, and colour of the text. Check for accessibility help information on the platform.
- Use the HTML or ePub version of the eBook where possible. These formats are more flexible than PDF. Check and enable Accessibility features in your browser.
- Use browser add-ins like ATbar to change font size, font colour or read the text aloud. This add-in also includes a dictionary.
Proquest Ebook Central Accessibility Mode
Many of the ebooks we provided access to are hosted on the Ebook Central platform which has a special Accessibility Mode that allows you to view pages in plain text, one page at a time. This works well with screen readers and accessibility add-ins.
Screen reader software will usually detect the option for you. To manually enable it on Ebook Central:
- Navigate to Settings and choose Profile
- Select the radio button option to Enable Accessibility Mode
- For people with dyslexia: select Use Open Dyslexic typeface
- Scroll down and agree to the privacy policy and terms of service before saving changes.
Reading downloaded eBooks and chapters
PDF format with Adobe Acrobat Pro on Library computers
If the eBook platform doesn’t require the use of the Adobe Digital Editions plugin, open the saved PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro, which is available on all Library computers.
| Adjust PDF | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Enlarge text | View menu > Zoom |
| Reflow text | View menu > Zoom > Reflow |
| Change text and background colour | Edit menu > Preferences > Accessibility > Document Colours |
| Read aloud | View menu > Read aloud |
ePub
If the platform doesn’t require the use of Adobe Digital Editions, open the saved ePub in a browser.
ePub is flexible and you should be able to enlarge the text, reflow, change the display of the book or read it aloud.
Other tools
Visit our Accessibility module for text-to-speech tool suggestions.