Introduction: A New Chapter for Inclusive Publishing
The PAGE (Project for advancing cognitive accessibility in publishing) project marks a groundbreaking step toward improving cultural inclusion for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) across Europe. Funded by the Creative Europe Programme, this initiative unites partners from seven European countries to develop books and tools tailored to cognitive accessibility, ensuring everyone has equal opportunities to engage in reading and cultural activities.
With a transnational approach, PAGE is committed to addressing critical gaps in the European publishing industry, including the scarcity of accessible books, insufficient research on IDD readers, and a lack of digital tools designed to meet their needs. By fostering collaboration among experts in publishing, accessibility, and social inclusion, PAGE aims to lead the transformation of the European publishing sector toward greater inclusivity.
Addressing Challenges in Accessible Publishing
Despite advances in other areas of inclusion, the publishing sector still struggles to provide cognitively accessible resources. Adults with IDD often face barriers such as:
- Limited availability of accessible books: Literature tailored for this audience is almost non-existent, creating significant obstacles to cultural engagement.
- Lack of research: Few studies have explored how individuals with IDD participate in cultural activities, leaving their needs unmet.
- Digital inaccessibility: Current e-books and apps fail to address the specific requirements of IDD readers, such as simplified language and interactive features.
- Exclusion from literary activities: Book clubs and workshops are rarely adapted for people with cognitive challenges, reinforcing their isolation from cultural participation.
PAGE seeks to bridge these gaps by pioneering solutions that integrate accessibility, creativity, and digital innovation.
Key Objectives of the PAGE Project
The project’s overarching goal is to enhance the cultural engagement of people with IDD by:
- Conducting research to define accessibility parameters and raise awareness about cognitive accessibility in publishing.
- Publishing accessible books using simplified language, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and universal design principles.
- Developing an interactive app to facilitate reading comprehension through multimedia and customizable features.
- Creating a cultural activities toolkit to support inclusive book clubs and writing workshops, empowering IDD individuals to express their creativity.
The PAGE Consortium
One of PAGE’s greatest strengths lies in its diverse and experienced consortium, which includes organizations with expertise in publishing, accessibility, and social inclusion:
- Controvento – Coordinator (Italy): Building on the success of the EU-funded ADILE project, Controvento brings expertise in creating accessible online platforms and promoting reading among vulnerable groups.
- RISA (Slovenia): A pioneer in Easy-to-Read literature, RISA has developed innovative tools such as Easy Slovene guidelines, ensuring language accessibility in publishing and legislation.
- YELO (Croatia): Known for developing mobile apps for children with developmental challenges, YELO integrates multimedia technology to enhance reading experiences.
- Les Apprimeurs (France): With over a decade of experience in producing adapted books and educational resources, Les Apprimeurs leads the project’s dissemination activities and graphic design.
- Logopsycom (Belgium): Leveraging its expertise in digital tools for cognitive disabilities, Logopsycom is tasked with developing the PAGE app.
- TPUL (Portugal): Specializing in children and youth literature, TPUL focuses on editing high-quality literary projects and critical studies in education.
- Boarve Konsult (Sweden): With over 30 years of experience in easy-to-read language, accessibility, and human rights, Boarve brings deep expertise in making information accessible to people with intellectual disabilities.
European Accessibility Act: A Strategic Opportunity
PAGE aligns with the European Accessibility Act (EAA), which emphasizes the need for accessible products and services across Europe. By developing resources like the PAGE app and publishing multilingual accessible books, the project directly addresses EAA priorities, positioning itself as a model for inclusive publishing.
Transforming the Publishing Landscape
Through innovative research, inclusive publishing practices, and digital tools, PAGE aspires to redefine how literature and cultural activities are accessed by people with IDD. Beyond its direct outputs, the project aims to foster long-term change in the European publishing sector by:
- Promoting a shared vision of inclusion and diversity.
- Supporting sustainable development of accessible literature.
- Inspiring new collaborations and partnerships across Europe.
An open and collaborative project
The PAGE project invites readers, educators, and cultural organizations to join this journey toward a more inclusive future for publishing. Stay tuned for updates as we document the project’s milestones and share insights into making literature accessible for all.