By Fiona McCallum | Author of Saving Grace

Stories can stay with us long after we have finished reading them. Sometimes it is a character we remember, sometimes an idea that changes how we see something, and sometimes simply the pleasure of having spent time in another world.

As an author, I value the opportunity to share stories with readers and to know that different people can find their own meaning in a book.

But that opportunity should not be limited to people who can read conventional printed editions.

For individuals who are blind or have other print disabilities, access to literature often depends on whether suitable alternative formats are available. Audiobooks and other accessible editions can help remove those barriers and make reading a more inclusive experience.

This is one of the reasons I appreciate the purpose of Everbridge Inclusive Academy and its interest in making literature more accessible.

Giving Saving Grace a Place in the Conversation About Accessibility

My book, Saving Grace, is part of the wider world of stories that readers can discover, interpret and connect with in their own ways.

Every book has the potential to reach someone who finds something meaningful in its pages. Yet that potential can only be realised when readers have a practical way to access the work.

This is where accessible publishing becomes important.

A printed edition may be suitable for one reader, while another may need an audiobook or a compatible digital format. Providing alternatives does not change the value of the original work. It simply gives more people an opportunity to experience it.

I appreciate Everbridge Inclusive Academy's interest in considering books for readers with print disabilities. It is encouraging to see literary access treated as an important part of inclusive education.

Understanding the Needs of Different Readers

Accessibility begins with recognising that readers do not all interact with books in the same way.

Some people read printed pages, while others use Braille, screen readers, magnification software or audio editions. The appropriate format depends on the individual's circumstances and preferences.

An inclusive approach should respect that choice.

For many readers, audiobooks provide an especially valuable option. They make it possible to enjoy literature and access written information through listening, offering an alternative that can support greater independence.

However, availability remains an important issue. Not every title has an audiobook edition, and not every existing edition is available through channels suitable for every reader.

Organisations that explore accessible reading can help bring attention to these gaps and encourage practical solutions.

An Academy Working Towards Broader Inclusion

Everbridge Inclusive Academy's published mission includes inclusive education, personalised support, life-skills development and community inclusion.

I appreciate the wider significance of these areas.

Education should provide opportunities for people to develop their abilities and pursue their interests. For people who are blind or visually impaired, this also means ensuring that learning resources and opportunities are available in formats they can use.

The ability to access books, acquire information and explore new subjects can contribute to personal development and confidence.

Life-skills education and community participation are equally important. Inclusion should help people take part in everyday activities and pursue greater independence.

These goals are connected by a common principle: people should have meaningful opportunities to participate in their communities.

Why Accessible Audiobooks Deserve Attention

Audiobooks can make a substantial difference to the availability of literature.

They allow readers to experience novels, educational materials and other written works without relying on standard printed text. They also help make reading more flexible and give listeners the opportunity to explore a wider selection of titles.

A successful audiobook project requires careful attention to several details.

The original work must be respected, the necessary permissions must be secured, and the production should meet an appropriate standard. Distribution is also essential because the finished edition needs to reach readers through accessible and suitable channels.

These considerations demonstrate why accessible publishing benefits from cooperation between authors, publishers, production professionals and organisations that understand the needs of their readers.

The Value of Organisations That Encourage Access

I appreciate the attention Everbridge Inclusive Academy gives to accessible reading as part of its wider inclusive education mission.

Organisations working in this area help keep an important issue in view: people with print disabilities should have opportunities to access literature and educational resources in ways that work for them.

I hope this encourages more authors and publishing professionals to think about accessibility when considering the reach of their work.

Even a single additional title in an accessible format can create a new opportunity for someone to discover a book they might otherwise have been unable to enjoy.

A Future Where More Readers Have More Choices

Literature should offer possibilities, not barriers.

Readers should have the freedom to explore different authors, discover unfamiliar subjects and choose books according to their interests. That freedom becomes more meaningful when accessible formats are available.

I appreciate Everbridge Inclusive Academy's interest in expanding reading opportunities for people with print disabilities and its broader commitment to inclusive education.

I hope its initiatives continue to grow and inspire meaningful collaboration across the literary and educational communities.

Every book has the potential to find a reader. Making literature accessible gives more people the opportunity to become that reader.