Inclusion and respect for individual differences are values inherent in APA Style’s bias-free language guidelines and APA’s related Inclusive Language Guide (2nd ed.). These are values for APA Publishing as well, which is why we are proud to provide multiple options for requesting alternative formats for APA books, including the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.
First, APA partners with the AccessText Network (ATN), an organization founded and administered by the Association of American Publishers, of which APA is a memberopens in new window. ATN is “a conduit between the publishing world and colleges and universities across the country” (ATN, n.d., para. 1), providing college students with accessible versions of books. To request an accessible book, students typically start by contacting their Student Disability Services office or a similar department at their institution. Staff in those departments send requests to ATN. To get started, institutions may register with ATNopens in new window.
APA Publishing is also proud to participate in the Bookshare initiative, a program that provides books in a variety of accessible formats, for individuals “who find it difficult to process or comprehend printed words, see text in books or on a screen, or physically manage printed books or reading devices” (Bookshare, n.d.-a, para. 1).
The Bookshare program is available to individuals within the United Statesopens in new window and worldwideopens in new window. You can learn more about who qualifies for Bookshareopens in new window on their site. By ensuring equitable access to APA works, Bookshare “empowers people who cannot read traditional books to pursue education, employment, and social participation by making reading and learning materials accessible” (Bookshare, n.d.-b, Our Mission section, para. 1).
APA titles available in the ATN and via Bookshare include
- the APA Handbooks in Psychology,
- all other academic and professional books published by APA Books,
- and APA Style titles like the Publication Manual and the Concise Guide to APA Style.
The file format most typically provided via these programs is an EPUB file. These files are compatible with a wide variety of EPUB readers and include their own features (e.g., read-aloud, font options) designed to make the content fully accessible to all readers. APA strives to ensure that the file structure is fully accessible as well, including the headings, tables, figures, and other images. Individuals who require titles in the Braille Ready Formatopens in new window can also find that option via Bookshare.
It is important to us that all APA books be fully accessible for readers. If you have questions about these programs or the accessibility of APA books or comments or suggestions, please let us know in the comments or by emailing APA Style Expert.
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