Making Stories Accessible to Everyone: My Experience with Ever Bridge Inclusive Academy

By Stephanie Perkins | Author of Anna and the French Kiss

Books have always held a special place in my heart. They allow us to travel to unfamiliar places, experience different emotions, meet unforgettable characters and discover perspectives beyond our own. As an author, one of the most rewarding things is knowing that a story I have written can reach readers from different backgrounds and become part of their lives.

However, the opportunity to enjoy a book should never depend on someone's ability to read printed text.

This is one of the reasons I appreciate the work being done by Ever Bridge Inclusive Academy, an organisation committed to making education, literature and meaningful opportunities more accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Bringing Anna and the French Kiss to More Readers

My book, Anna and the French Kiss, is a story about love, friendship, personal discovery and the unexpected experiences that make life memorable. I believe stories like this deserve to reach as many readers as possible, including those who experience barriers when accessing traditional printed books.

Through its accessible reading initiative, Ever Bridge Inclusive Academy undertook the production of an audio version of Anna and the French Kiss, creating another opportunity for readers with print disabilities to experience the story.

What makes this initiative particularly meaningful is the intention behind it. This was not simply about converting a printed book into an audio format. It was about recognising that visually impaired readers deserve access to the same literary experiences, entertainment and educational opportunities available to everyone else.

I am also pleased with the care and attention given to the audio production. The producer demonstrated a commendable level of professionalism, and the finished production was delivered to my designated platforms. The quality of the work reflects the importance of approaching accessible publishing with genuine commitment and attention to detail.

An Academy with a Purpose Beyond Education

One thing that stands out about Ever Bridge Inclusive Academy is its broader commitment to inclusion and independence.

Its mission extends beyond providing educational resources. The academy works to empower children and adults who are blind or visually impaired through accessible education, personalised support, practical life-skills training, adult development programmes and community inclusion.

I particularly appreciate its belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, participate and live independently.

Its approach recognises that people with visual impairments have ambitions, talents, interests and aspirations that deserve to be supported rather than limited by accessibility barriers.

The academy's commitment to inclusive education and community development is an important reminder that accessibility should be part of how we approach education, literature and society.

Making a Difference Through Accessible Reading

Audiobooks are more than convenient alternatives to printed books. For many people with visual impairments and other print disabilities, they are essential tools for accessing literature, developing knowledge and enjoying independent reading experiences.

Initiatives like this help address an important accessibility gap.

By supporting the production of audio versions of selected books, Ever Bridge Inclusive Academy is contributing to a more inclusive reading environment where people are not excluded from literary experiences simply because traditional reading formats are inaccessible to them.

I find this particularly encouraging because the impact of accessible literature goes beyond a single book. Every additional accessible title creates another opportunity for someone to discover a new author, explore a different world, learn something valuable or simply enjoy the pleasure of reading.

A Partnership Worth Appreciating

My experience with this initiative has highlighted the importance of organisations that are willing to take practical steps towards making literature more inclusive.

I appreciate the work involved in coordinating an accessible audio project, from recognising the need for an audio edition to overseeing production and ensuring the finished work reaches its intended platforms.

I also commend the audio producer for the work delivered on this project.

Ever Bridge Inclusive Academy represents an encouraging example of how a commitment to inclusion can translate into meaningful action. Its work in accessible education, independence training and community support deserves recognition and continued encouragement.

I hope initiatives like this inspire more authors, publishers, educators and organisations to consider accessibility when thinking about how books and educational resources reach their audiences.

Every Reader Deserves a Story

Ultimately, I believe that stories should bring people together, not create barriers between them.

Whether someone reads through printed pages, Braille or audio, the experience of discovering a wonderful story should remain open to them.

I appreciate the vision behind Ever Bridge Inclusive Academy and its efforts to create opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired.

Making Anna and the French Kiss available in audio is a meaningful step towards that vision, and I hope to see more initiatives that ensure literature remains accessible to everyone.

Because every reader deserves the opportunity to experience the magic of a good book.