Educators

Save time when students purchase accessible digital textbooks, on their own.

To improve access and learning for students with disabilities, Pearson has partnered with VitalSource™ to let students instantly purchase accessible ePub digital textbooks for select Pearson titles — on their own.

For titles in this program, you no longer need to confirm that students have a print book or submit a request for an alternate format text file.

Students can start using their accessible eTextbook as soon as they purchase it, without having to buy a print book. It’s affordable and quick — and easy for them to do on their own.

These eTextbooks, offered through the accessible VitalSource Bookshelf® reader:

  • Align with WCAG 2.0 AA standards, providing alternative text descriptions for images and figures, and text that is readable with a screen reader or a refreshable braille display
  • Include self-voicing text-to-speech
  • Provide online and offline access, on both computers and mobile devices (iOs and Android)

FAQs

Which titles are available as accessible eTextbooks?
Here’s the current list of titles.

In what file format are these eTextbooks?
These eTextbooks are ePubs, an HTML-based format that meets accessibility requirements for the blind and those with other print disabilities. ePub follows precise specifications defined by the International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF) and is endorsed by the DAISY Consortium.

How do I know that the VitalSource Bookshelf reader is accessible?
The DAISY Consortium tests reading systems for accessibility. In these tests, VitalSource Bookshelf currently receives the highest accessibility scores among reading systems. DAISY is a global consortium of organizations committed to people having equal access to information and knowledge, regardless of disability.

VPATs are available on the VitalSource Accessibility Support site.

For titles offered as eTextbooks, can I still request a PDF?
Our accessible eTextbooks are replacing PDF files for the titles in this program. If you or your students have concerns, please email Pearson Disability Support at disability.support@pearson.com.

What if the book is available as an eTextbook but my student already bought a print book that they can’t return?
Please email Pearson Disability Support at disability.support@pearson.com. In your email, include the author, title, and ISBN of the book your student bought.

Do students have to go through their campus disability/accessibility office to purchase these eTextbooks?
No. Students can buy these eTextbooks on their own from this site.

What if my student is having trouble purchasing or using one of these accessible eTextbooks?
You or your student should contact the VitalSource Support Center, which is open 24/7 year round. You can talk with a U.S.-based expert by calling 1-855-200-4146 or email your issue to accessibility@vitalsource.com.

Do all assistive technologies work with these eTextbooks?
Some assistive technologies and software don’t follow or implement accepted conventions and standards. These applications may not work with these eTextbooks. For questions about specific assistive technologies, please email Pearson Disability Support at disability.support@pearson.com.

What if a textbook is not available as one of these accessible eTextbooks?
For all other Pearson titles, alternate format text files are available for qualifying students upon request and at no added cost, provided the student has purchased or is renting the print or digital textbook. Files may be ordered directly from Pearson by filling out a disability request form or via AccessText Network, a clearinghouse for files from all major higher education publishers.