PVLF 2026

2025 ABC Award Opens for Excellence in Accessible Publishing

Nominations Now Open for the 2025 ABC International Excellence Award for Accessible Publishing
on Jul 09, 2025

The Accessible Books Consortium (ABC) has officially opened nominations for the 2025 ABC International Excellence Award for Accessible Publishing—a global recognition that shines a spotlight on the groundbreaking efforts of publishers and initiatives working to make reading accessible for all.

This prestigious award celebrates outstanding leadership and achievement in the field of accessible publishing, particularly in improving the availability of e-books and digital content for individuals who are blind, visually impaired, dyslexic, or living with mobility challenges that make traditional reading difficult.

A Global Recognition for Inclusion and Innovation

The 2025 winners will be honored during a special ceremony at the World Blindness Summit, organized by the World Blind Union, which will take place on September 3, 2025, in São Paulo, Brazil. The award presentation will be part of the summit’s gala dinner—bringing together global leaders, advocates, publishers, and changemakers in the field of visual impairment and accessibility.

Every year, this award highlights the transformative work being done around the world to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital reading revolution. It recognizes two categories:

One publisher demonstrating excellence in accessible publishing practices.
One project or initiative that has made a significant impact in enhancing access to reading materials for people with print disabilities.

What the Judges Are Looking For

A panel of esteemed accessibility experts will evaluate nominations based on a rigorous set of criteria, including:

A clear and consistent commitment to making content available in accessible formats such as EPUB 3, DAISY, or accessible PDFs.
Integration of accessibility standards into the publishing workflow, ensuring that accessible versions are available at or near the same time as standard editions.
Collaboration across the publishing and distribution chain, from content creators to platforms, to ensure accessible formats reach end users without barriers.
The use of innovative practices and technologies to improve accessibility and user experience.
A demonstrable positive impact on the lives of individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print-disabled.

A Legacy of Celebrating Change-Makers

The ABC International Excellence Award has been presented at some of the world’s most prestigious book fairs and publishing events. Last year, the honor was awarded during the International Publishers Association Congress in Mexico, underscoring its global recognition.

In recent years, standout winners have included:

Publisher Category:
- Gerbera Ediciones (Mexico, 2024)
- Bokförlaget Hegas AB (Sweden, 2023)
- Kogan Page (UK, 2022)
- Taylor & Francis Group (UK, 2021)
Project Initiative Category:
- Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities (Australia & New Zealand, 2024)
- Chetana Charitable Trust (India, 2023)
- Mr. Ashoka Bandula Weerawardhana (Sri Lanka, 2022)

These awardees have collectively paved the way for more equitable access to knowledge, storytelling, and education—demonstrating that accessible publishing is not just a technological advancement but a human right.

How to Get Involved

If you or someone you know is leading the charge in accessible publishing, now is the time to step into the spotlight. Nominations for the 2025 ABC International Excellence Award are open and offer a powerful platform to inspire global change.

For more information on the nomination process, eligibility criteria, and submission deadlines, visit the official ABC website [insert link].

Let’s continue building a world where everyone—regardless of ability—can access the power of the written word.