Shaping the Future of Inclusive Reading
In December 2024, we officially kicked off the “Reading Apps User Requirements” project—an initiative designed to enhance the digital reading experience for people with diverse print disabilities. The project builds on a proposal by DAISY member Dedicon and aims to define aspirational and ambitious user requirements that go beyond the fundamentals, supporting both specialized and mainstream reading solutions. The resulting requirements document will be used by a wide range of specialist and mainstream service providers, developers of specialized reading systems and mainstream reading solutions.
In the months since the launch, we’ve held weekly, dynamic discussions with a passionate group of stakeholders. These sessions have proven to be incredibly fruitful, allowing us to dive deep into a range of key topics including visual adjustments, read-aloud features, and navigation options. The diversity of perspectives and shared expertise from across the DAISY community has been invaluable in shaping our understanding of what truly matters to users.
Looking ahead, we’re on track to deliver a first version of the requirements document by early June. This milestone will mark a significant step toward guiding the development and procurement of more inclusive reading applications, particularly for libraries operated by DAISY members.
How to Get Involved
We strongly believe that this project will benefit from as many voices as possible—particularly from accessibility experts, developers, and service providers. There are several ways you can contribute:
- Subscribe to our mailing list to stay informed and join ongoing conversations.
- Participate in the weekly working group sessions. These are open to anyone interested in contributing directly to the development of the requirements. Whether you join regularly or drop in occasionally, your input is welcome.
- Submit user requirements or ideas through our GitHub issue tracker. This is a great way to raise specific topics, report challenges with existing reading apps, or propose new features.
We’re excited about the progress so far and grateful for the energy and commitment of everyone involved. Stay tuned for more updates as we move closer to publication—and please consider adding your voice to help shape the future of inclusive digital reading.
Further details can be found on the Reading Apps User Requirements project page.
If you’re interested in joining the group or have questions about how best to contribute, please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.