Today, Vision Ireland and Benetech announced a collaboration to launch a groundbreaking partnership to provide the Global Certified Accessible (GCA) certification program for European Union (EU) publishers.
This collaboration marks a significant step forward in ensuring digital accessibility and compliance with the European Accessibility Act (EAA) for eBooks across the European Union. By combining Vision Ireland’s deep expertise in EU accessibility standards with Benetech’s leadership in digital inclusion, the partnership streamlines the certification process, providing publishers with a globally recognized, EU-compliant credential. With certification from an EU-based organization, publishers gain enhanced credibility and assurance that their content meets the highest accessibility standards for European readers. “This partnership is a major step forward for digital accessibility across the European Union,” said Ayan Kishore, CEO of Benetech. “As the first independent third-party digital accessibility certification, Benetech’s GCA certification helps publishers meet global standards.
With over 80 organizations already benefiting from our services, including Elsevir, Taylor & Francis, and McGraw Hill, we are proud to drive the global movement toward more inclusive digital content.” The certification process involves a thorough review of eBooks to ensure they meet the highest accessibility standards, including the EPUB Accessibility 1.1 specification and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 Level AA.
Chris White, CEO of Vision Ireland: “Ensuring accessibility in digital publishing is not just a compliance requirement, it’s a fundamental step toward equality. Vision Ireland is proud to collaborate with Benetech to support EU publishers in meeting the highest accessibility standards. This partnership reinforces our commitment to breaking down barriers and making digital content truly inclusive for all readers, particularly those who are blind or vision impaired.”
Lina Kouzi, Head of Library Access Service at Vision Ireland: “Accessible publishing is the gateway to equal participation in education, employment, and everyday life. By working with Benetech to deliver Global Certified Accessible certification for EU publishers, we are ensuring that digital content is designed for everyone from the outset. This initiative will be transformative in fostering a more inclusive reading experience across Europe.”
Aaron Mullaniff, Chief Services Officer at Vision Ireland: “Vision Ireland is thrilled to partner with Benetech to drive digital accessibility forward across the entire EU,. This collaboration will accelerate the adoption of accessible publishing practices, ensuring that inclusive digital content becomes the standard for readers across Europe.”
Publishers seeking the EU-compliant GCA certification can contact Vision Ireland for details on the certification process, requirements, and benefits. Together, Vision Ireland and Benetech are fostering a more inclusive digital landscape for all readers in Europe.
