Cover of Books Without Barriers second edition. Graphic of a girl who is reading a tablet. She sits on the ground with one knee raised and her elbow resting on the knee. To the right is a second drawing of her hand pointing at the text she is reading, and the symbols for text, audio and braille.
What’s new in accessibility? Launching the second edition of Books without barriers
Publishers around the world are becoming aware that the way they publish books must change. Non-traditional formats such as ebooks and audiobooks are increasingly popular. Meanwhile, legislation in many key markets now requires publishers to make their digital publications accessible to all readers, including those with print disability.
This presentation will discuss how the second edition of Books without barriers reflects these developments. The free guide, which is co-published by IPEd and the Australian Publishers Association, provides practical advice on how to prepare text and images so that people who read through hearing or touch don’t miss out on information that is conveyed visually. The presenters will discuss the latest advances in accessible publishing, and outline how the new material in the guide addresses these issues.
Presenters
Dr Agata Mrva-Montoya is senior lecturer in the Discipline of Media and Communications and Degree Director of the Master of Publishing at the University of Sydney. Previously, she worked at Sydney University Press, where she led the implementation of accessible publishing practices. Her research examines the ways technological innovation and power structures shape the publishing industry, focusing specifically on their impact on equitable access to literature and knowledge. She is author of Inclusive publishing and the quest for reading equity (2025).
Julie Ganner AE is a freelance editor and a lecturer in editing and proofreading for the Master of Publishing at the University of Sydney. She also provides professional workshops for editors, writers and publishers on how to make texts accessible to readers with print disability. Julie was awarded the Janet Mackenzie Medal in 2025 for outstanding service to the editing profession. She is co-author of Inclusive publishing in Australia: an introductory guide (2019).
Cost:
IPEd members & affiliate organisations AUD20
IPEd student members AUD10
Non-members AUD35
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