Employment
We believe that access to information is a universal human right. Even so, over 90 percent of books and publications are inaccessible to people with disabilities. As part of our employment work, we strive to equip youth and adults with digital skills, and the ability to acquire needed skills by making information easily accessible so that everyone can learn, work, socialize, and pursue their dreams.
Millions of people around the world face barriers because of disabilities. Students with dyslexia struggle in school because they cannot read traditional books. Blind adults cannot access printed career development materials, build new skills, or gain meaningful employment. Older adults with macular degeneration can no longer enjoy their local newspaper or beloved bestsellers. The unemployment rate in America for those with disabilities is double the general employment rate, Americans with disabilities can be an asset to the American workforce and jobs of the future, but only a third of them who work towards it make it into STEM careers, for example, because of accessibility barriers.
We are changing this. Through innovative education software and services, we are transforming how people with disabilities access information and publishing industry creates content so that it is accessible to all.
“Accessible ebooks help increase opportunities for individuals with disabilities to learn how to become professors, musicians, and even a radio host like me – or any career you can imagine.” —Robert Lewis, Executive Director, Maryland’s Radio Reading Network