In an industry driven by sharing ideas, the greatest impact comes from making sure no one is left behind. The European Accessibility Act (EAA) underscores this responsibility, setting new standards to ensure content is accessible to everyone. Specifically, in the world of digital content, it emphasizes the need for provisions such as alt text for images, captions for videos, transcripts for audio content, and compatibility with assistive technologies, among other mandates. For academic publishers, the EAA is especially significant as it influences the creation, distribution, and consumption of scholarly content. By offering scholarly articles, journals, and books in formats that cater to diverse needs, publishers can considerably improve access to research. This commitment to accessible content not only broadens audience reach but also plays an important role in bridging the equity and inclusion gap, enhancing the impact and citation potential of published works. Compliance with EAA is also essential for publishers to align with global standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), creating a unified framework that publishers can universally adopt. Moreover, many institutions and funding organizations are prioritizing accessibility, which further motivates publishers to produce inclusive formats that satisfy grant requirements and institutional policies.
While publishers are working to comply with the Act, we must ask: why stop there? Building an inclusive and accessible culture in scholarly publishing goes beyond fulfilling legal requirements—it involves taking proactive steps to ensure that everyone can tap into the wealth of information academic publications offer. Here, we’re exploring how publishers can go beyond the confines of checklists or mandates to create a truly inclusive environment within academia.
Also read: The Impact of the European Accessibility Act on Scholarly Publishers
- Organizational commitment and thought leadership
Academic publishers should consider accessibility as a fundamental organizational value. This means leading by example—not only by setting clear, measurable goals but also by dedicating sufficient resources to implementing inclusive practices across operations. Joining industry talks and hosting events focused on accessibility can further amplify these efforts and help champion accessibility. It may also be beneficial for publishers to issue detailed accessibility statements that outline how their platforms and content align with and exceed set standards, which can go a long way in demonstrating their commitment.
- Integrating accessibility into the organizational and operational workflow
Creating a welcoming environment for everyone, particularly those with diverse needs, involves not only enhancing physical spaces but also implementing inclusive policies. To prioritize accessibility in their processes, it’s crucial for publishers to incorporate accessibility at every stage of publication, from editing and design to distribution. This ensures that inclusivity becomes a natural part of the process.
- Training and awareness
Empowering staff, including designers and copy editors, with training on accessibility standards and best practices is crucial for honing their skills to develop and design accessible content. Moreover, weaving personal experiences into training programs can improve understanding of the wide range of disabilities—both visible and invisible—and highlight the impact of inaccessibility on individuals with diverse needs. This can not only build skills but also enhance awareness, ultimately leading to a more accessible digital landscape.
- Meaningful collaborations
Partnering with accessibility experts and organizations, as well as engaging with communities and individuals with lived experiences, can enhance initiatives. Integrating their feedback and insights helps develop a deeper understanding of their challenges, allowing products and decision-making to be tailored to their specific needs. This approach ensures that accessibility solutions are both inclusive and user-centered.
- Continuous innovation
As websites and applications evolve over time, continuous efforts are necessary to maintain and adapt to accessibility standards. Investing in advanced technologies, establishing dedicated teams focused on monitoring, and fostering collaboration with relevant organizations can prove invaluable in ensuring compliance, resolving any issues, and anticipating and adapting to new trends.
Conclusion
The spotlight on EAA presents a fantastic opportunity for publishers to create a more accessible and inclusive environment for everyone. However, building a culture where accessibility remains a top priority is more than just a one-time fix—it requires a heartfelt commitment that goes beyond simply meeting regulations. It calls for collaborative efforts with stakeholders throughout the entire scholarly ecosystem.
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