This partnership, announced on January 16, 2024, is poised to provide enhanced access to literature for people who are blind, have low vision, dyslexia, or mobility impairments impacting their ability to read.
The collaboration will see the integration of the ABC catalogue into Dolphin’s EasyReader application. The Dolphin EasyReader App, known for its accessibility features, will allow readers to search, download, and read books from the extensive ABC catalogue within a single, user-friendly environment.
WIPO’s ABC Beneficiary Application, launched in 2021, facilitated access to the ABC catalogue for print-disabled individuals through web applications. As of January 2024, the ABC Beneficiary Application boasts a catalog of over 400,000 accessible books in 22 countries, serving 30 participating libraries for the blind, known as authorized entities.
The Dolphin collaboration expands the reach of the ABC catalogue, providing users with specialized features for customization, including large-font text, customized contrasts, fonts, colors, and highlighted text. This integration is a crucial step toward breaking down barriers in accessing information, aligning with the collective commitment to promote freedom of expression and education.
The ABC catalogue, one of the world’s largest collections of books in accessible digital formats, continues to grow, supported by an expanding global network of authorized entities catering to the print-disabled community.
This initiative addresses the real-life challenges faced by approximately 253 million people worldwide who are blind or visually impaired. The collaboration emphasizes the pivotal role of accessible books in fostering education, independence, and productivity for individuals with print disabilities.
Dolphin Computer Access, with a legacy spanning 37 years, remains dedicated to developing innovative assistive technology solutions to empower individuals with vision impairments and print disabilities. The Dolphin EasyReader App, connecting readers to accessible libraries globally, reflects their commitment to making books and reading accessible to a broader audience.
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