This practical webinar is designed for managers, editors, designers and production teams in all sectors of publishing, including trade and educational.
It begins by considering the diverse needs of readers with print disabilities, and the different ways in which people may read published materials. It then turns to the evolving legal framework and standards for accessible publishing, along with global initiatives and new technologies, including the ethical use of AI for accessible format production. The webinar also discusses the role of publishers in the creation of “born-accessible” books, and the key challenges and benefits involved.
Finally, it examines how publishers can develop policies, plan workflows and assign responsibilities to ensure accessibility issues are addressed effectively and efficiently throughout the publishing process.
This is the first in a three part series on accessibility in editing. We invite you to register and join us for the following sessions
Developing accessible content – Presented by Julie Ganner AE – Wednesday 14 October
Designing and producing accessible books Presented by Agata Mrva-Montoya – Monday 16 November
Presenters – Julie Ganner AE and Agata Mrva-Montoya
Julie Ganner AE and Agata Mrva-Montoya are co-authors of Books without barriers, a free guide published by the Institute of Professional Editors and the Australian Publishers Association.
Agata 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 is an accredited 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).
Image: 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.
Cost: IPEd members & affiliate organisations AUD20 (approx. NZD22.00), APA Members AUD20 (approx. NZD22.00) IPEd student members AUD10 (approx. NZD11.00); non-members AUD35 (approx. NZD38.52). Exchange rates as of 31 August 2026
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