To grasp the accessibility challenges in reading, we must listen to those most affected: individuals who face barriers to reading. Let’s also take in the powerful message Jacques Semelin, author and historian, shared with publishers during the Assises du livre numérique conference (Paris).
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The inaugural keynote by Jacques Semelin, author, historian and director emeritus of research at the CNRS, was a powerful moment at the 24th edition of the Assises du livre numérique (Paris), devoted to accessibility in the book industry
Semelin shared a deeply moving account of his brilliant career while explaining how he adapted to gradually losing sight. From the age of 16, he lived with the looming reality that he would soon no longer be able to read, though he didn’t know when. To help others face “this prophecy of doom,” he documented his story in two books, detailing how he prepared for the inevitable: I arrive where I am a stranger (Le Seuil, 2007) and I want to believe in the Sun (Les Arènes, 2016).
His academic career has been a relentless fight for access to knowledge. To pursue this, he embraced successive technological innovations to best adapt to his deteriorating eyesight:
But beyond technology, Jacques Semelin expressed his gratitude to those who used these tools to make life easier for readers with disabilities, while urging everyone to push the boundaries even further.
The historian paid a heartfelt tribute to the volunteer readers who helped him:
“Do they know, all of those who lent me their voice for a day, for a few weeks, for months, if not longer? Their volunteer service has been more than vital in shaping my personal and professional identity. How many people have given their voice in the same way that you give your blood? Because, I say it simply and powerfully, the voice of reading is life in its purest form for those whose eyes have become obscured.”
In 2023, Jacques Semelin discovered EPUB 3, a new format that makes ebooks truly accessible. This format offers the promise of content that can:
This promise must be paired with the determination to shift from the concept of an adapted book to one that is natively accessible from the moment it is produced. Accessibility must be ensured throughout the entire chain, all the way to the reader.
Speaking to the publishers present in the room and those watching remotely Jacques Semelin delivered a powerful message:
“You have the exceptional power, if you choose to use it, to make books speak. Please do it for future generations. Offer this service to everyone, for everyone.”
In response to this poignant and necessary call to action to meet the needs of readers with disabilities – “but not only them” – explore the 6 guidelines for producing an accessible EPUB 3 file.
Find other talks from the 2023 Assises du livre numérique dedicated to the accessibility of ebooks on the website of the Syndicat National de l'Édition (in French).
