Launched by the Book Publishers Association of Alberta (BPAA), Accessible Alberta: eBooks for Everyone is an initiative to support the discoverability of Alberta-published accessible eBooks.

Since 2015, Alberta book publishers have been engaged in the field of accessible book publishing. This has included the production of accessible e-audiobooks, remediating backlist titles into accessible ePUB files, implementing born-accessible workflows, pursuing Benetech’s GCA certification process, and much more. However, accessible books are only accessible if the people who need them can find them.

We strongly believe that everyone deserves access to great stories and learning resources, and are proud to support the discoverability of accessible books through this collection. Our hope is that Accessible Alberta makes it easier for readers, educators, and librarians to discover Alberta-published accessible books.

What is Accessible Alberta: eBooks for Everyone?

Accessible Alberta: eBooks for Everyone is a digital collection of Alberta-published accessible eBooks. This growing collection features books across a variety of genres.

On the Accessible Alberta website, you can use filters to find accessible titles as well as information on how to purchase them through your preferred vendor. The Accessible Alberta collection is also available through Alberta public libraries, and as a catalogue through BookNet Canada’s CataList.

The project is produced by the BPAA, an industry association supporting Alberta book publishers. The Accessible Alberta website is facilitated by eBOUND, a not-for-profit organization advancing digital engagement with Canadian publishers.

In 2024, the BPAA was recognized internationally for their work in accessible publishing, being named a finalist for the 2024 ABC International Excellence Award for Accessible Publishing.

How are books chosen for the Accessible Alberta collection?

Titles in the collection are submitted by BPAA members, all of which are traditional independent book publishers. Each of these books meets industry accessibility standards (EPUB Accessibility 1.0 specification and W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 A, at a minimum).

BPAA member publishers remain dedicated to accessible publishing. In addition to converting over 800 backlist titles to accessible eBooks, Alberta publishers are adopting born-accessible workflows which will support the continued growth of the Accessible Alberta Collection.

How is Accessible Alberta funded?

Accessible Alberta is made possible through financial support from the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Government of Alberta.

I have questions or suggestions!

Contact us. We’re always looking for feedback!