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Re: Accessibility of EPUB vs PDF

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From: Ajay Sharma
Date: Jan 15, 2018 8:13AM

Hi,

Due to the fixed layout nature of PDF, it is not a suitable format for many.
Users cannot customize the display e.g. line spacing, word spacing,
background and foreground colour, font etc. All this is very important for
users with dyslexia and visual impairments.
Further, PDF is not suitable for viewing on small screens.
Since it isolates a large group of users, PDF should not be considered for
electronic publishing. When documents are intended to be printed, then PDF
should be used.

EPUB fulfils all the requirements listed above.
When we talk about accessible content, the main principle is that users with
different disabilities have different needs and they may prefer different
formats for a variety of reasons.
Some may like DAISY just because they are used to it while others may like
HTML pages because it does not require them to use specific apps and
devices.
EPUB is the most suitable master format. If needed other formats can be
easily derived from it.
EPUB is the format through which Inclusive Publishing can be promoted.
EPUB version 3 and later has been created for the mainstream, it fulfils the
market requirements and at the same time has accessibility bilt into it.
Publishers can create EPUB to sell through online retailers like Amazon,
Google etc. The same file be used by users with disabilities without any
modification.

You may find a few arguments here:
https://www.kotobee.com/blog/epub-vs-pdf-battle-formats/
and
https://blog.reedsy.com/epub-vs-mobi-vs-pdf/

Best Regards,
Ajay