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RYA Publications Expands Accessibility Features and Aims for Prestigious Award
RYA Publications, a renowned name in the publishing industry, is set to enhance its offerings with the introduction of audiobook streaming on its RYA Books app from September. This move follows the upgrades made to the app, which now supports screen readers, text view, adjustable font size, and table of contents navigation, making it more accessible for users with various needs.
The RYA team has always prioritised accessibility, embedding it into every stage of the publishing process. This includes thoughtful font and layout choices, semantic tagging, and alt-text. The RYA's commitment to accessibility aligns with its 'Together on Water' strategy, fostering inclusivity in all aspects of its operations.
Currently, over 40 of RYA's most popular titles are available in accessible formats on iOS, with Android support imminent. The RYA is also a finalist in the publisher category for this year's ABC International Excellence Award for Accessible Publishing, alongside submissions from Canada and Colombia.
The ABC International Excellence Awards, organised by the Accessible Books Consortium (ABC) under WIPO, recognise publishers and projects that demonstrate outstanding commitment to accessible publishing. However, as of the latest available information, RYA Publications is not specifically mentioned among the finalists or nominees for the 2025 award.
Despite not being listed for the 2025 award, RYA Publications continues its pursuit of excellence in accessible publishing. All new frontlist titles are born accessible EPUBs, compliant with WCAG 2.0 AA standards. The RYA collaborates with distribution partners like Apple Books and Google Play Books, ensuring accessibility features are clearly described and supported.
Students are already benefitting from personalised accessible EPUBs, enabling them to complete RYA training courses equitably. The RYA also offers a bespoke service to provide accessible versions of titles within two weeks upon request. The RYA Books app is available on iOS and Google Play for users to explore the growing library of accessible titles.
RYA Publications stands alongside world-class publishers such as Cambridge University Press and DK Braille, demonstrating its commitment to providing accessible content for all. The ABC International Excellence Awards will be announced at the World Blindness Summit in São Paulo, Brazil, in September.
For those interested in accessing titles not yet accessible, students, instructors, or training centres can request priority updates by contacting RYA Publications at publications@our website.org.uk.
[1] Accessible Books Consortium (ABC) website [2] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) website [3] RYA Publications website [4] ABC International Excellence Awards page [5] 2025 ABC International Excellence Awards finalists
- In its ongoing pursuit of sustainable living and promoting a diverse lifestyle, RYA Publications aims to expand its accessible publications, including home-and-garden titles, to reach a broader audience, aligning with its 'Together on Water' strategy.
- As it continues to pioneer accessible publishing, RYA Publications plans to submit its home-and-garden titles for the 'Sustainable Living' category in the 2026 ABC International Excellence Awards, further establishing its reputation as a leader in the publishing industry.
