2024: Message from the President
Access to information is not something we can take for granted. True accessibility is only achieved when the needs and abilities of all readers are considered from the very beginning of the publishing process. When this doesn’t happen, organizations like the members of the DAISY Consortium step in to make inaccessible content accessible. For many of our members, this remains a core responsibility.
In that regard, 2024 was a successful year. We made notable progress in standards development, tools, training, and support. These achievements were made possible thanks to the dedication and expertise of our team. You can read more about this throughout this annual report.
Beyond supporting our members in transforming content into accessible formats after publication, the DAISY Consortium strongly advocates for accessibility from the outset—born accessible publishing. The implementation date of the European Accessibility Act (EAA), June 28th, is approaching quickly. In anticipation, our member organizations are actively raising awareness, providing training, and supporting publishers in creating accessible publications. The DAISY Consortium supports these efforts by organizing webinars, maintaining a comprehensive knowledge base at inclusivepublishing.org, and hosting the European Inclusive Publishing Forum—a platform for stakeholders to exchange updates, initiatives, plans, and challenges as the EAA deadline draws near.
In 2024, the DAISY Consortium Board met twice. Our spring meeting was graciously hosted by the French DAISY group in Paris, the city of Valentin Haüy. Following this meeting, the Digital Publishing Summit, organized by EDRLab, took place.
In November, we were welcomed by Fundação Dorina Nowill para Cegos in São Paulo. We had the privilege of touring their impressive
production facilities. After our meeting, we participated in the International Conference on Accessibility—an inspiring event featuring speakers from Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Mexico who showcased the work of their organizations in providing accessible information for people with visual impairments. Other speakers shared the potential and promise of inclusive publishing.
In 2024, the Board said farewell to Alison Long, a long-serving member representing the RNIB and the Consortium’s outgoing Treasurer. We thank her deeply for her contributions. Alice O’Reilly has stepped into the role of Treasurer, while David Williams joined to represent RNIB on the Board. Jong-Pil Won, who represented the Korean National Library for the Print Disabled, also stepped down this year and has been succeeded by Gumsook Hoang.
The DAISY Consortium owes much to the dedication of individuals like Alison Long, Alice O’Reilly, David Williams, Jong-Pil Won, and Gumsook Hoang. Our thanks extend to all our Board members, representatives, employees, and volunteers of the DAISY Consortium and our member organizations. Because of their tireless efforts, the world is becoming a more accessible place.
Maarten Verboom
President of the DAISY Consortium
Next: Vision, Mission and Key Activities and Community
2024 Annual Report Index: