Accessible digital textbooks

Need alternate format text?

Alternate format text files for Pearson titles are available to qualifying students at no added cost, as long as the student has purchased or is renting the print or digital textbook.

To request files, please complete Pearson’s disability request form. You can also contact AccessText Network, a clearinghouse for files from all major higher education publishers.

Students save time by purchasing accessible eTextbooks on their own

For Pearson eText titles and titles offered through VitalSource and Redshelf, you no longer need to submit a request for an alternate format text file or confirm that students have a print book. Students can start using their accessible eTextbook as soon as they purchase it, without having to buy or rent a print book.

Purchasing accessible digital textbooks is affordable and quick. And it’s easy for students to do on their own.

Pearson eText

Pearson’s newest eTextbook platform meets the majority of WCAG 2.1 Level AA Standards. We’re continually updating our eText platform to improve accessibility, usability, and compatibility with assistive technologies.

Students can access Pearson eText in two ways:

  • Are your students using MyLab® or Mastering®? If so, they may already have access to an accessible digital textbook. To open the eText, students should go to the MyLab or Mastering course menu in their browser and select the eText option.
  • Are your students using or looking to purchase Pearson+? They can log in to Pearson+ to access their eTexts from their computer or mobile device (iOS and Android), even when offline. For additional information for a specific title, email Pearson Disability Support.

Get accessibility tips and resources for Pearson eText.

VitalSource

Students can choose to purchase Pearson titles as eTextbooks from VitalSource. With this purchase, students have instant access to their eTextbooks through the VitalSource Bookshelf platform.

FAQs

How do students find accessible eTextbooks in the VitalSource catalog?

Students should look for the Accessibility tab on a publication’s product detail page. There they’ll find the accessibility features of the title. If there is no Accessibility tab, the publication is likely a fixed-layout version that lacks accessibility features.  

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 high 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.

In what file format are VitalSource eTextbooks?

These eTextbooks are ePubs, an HTML-based format that meets WCAG 2.1 AA standards. ePub follows precise specifications defined by the W3C and is endorsed by the DAISY Consortium.

Do students have to go through their campus disability or accessibility office to purchase a VitalSource eTextbook?

No. They can purchase eTextbooks directly from VitalSource, on their own.

What if students have trouble purchasing or using an accessible VitalSource eTextbook?

Please direct students to contact the VitalSource Support Center, which is open 24/7 year round. They can talk with a US-based expert by calling 1-855-200-4146. They can also email the VitalSource support team.

What if a Pearson title is not available as an accessible eTextbook?

For all other Pearson titles, you can request alternate format text files for qualifying students at no added cost, provided the student has purchased or is renting the print or digital textbook. To request files, please complete Pearson’s disability request form. You can also contact AccessText Network, a clearinghouse for files from all major higher education publishers.  

RedShelf

Students can choose to purchase Pearson titles as eTextbooks from RedShelf. With this purchase, students have instant access to their eTextbooks through RedShelf’s eReader.  

FAQs

How do I know that the RedShelf eReader is accessible?

The DAISY Consortium tests reading systems for accessibility. In these tests, the RedShelf eReader currently receives high 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.

In what file format are RedShelf eTextbooks?

These eTextbooks are ePubs, an HTML-based format that meets WCAG 2.1 AA standards. ePub follows precise specifications defined by the W3C and is endorsed by the DAISY Consortium.

Do students have to go through their campus disability or accessibility office to purchase a RedShelf eTextbook?

No. They can purchase eTextbooks directly from RedShelf, on their own.

What if students have trouble purchasing or using an accessible RedShelf eTextbook?

RedShelf has a dedicated onsite team offering one-on-one support to students and faculty. You can email the RedShelf accessibility team to request an alternate version of a publication or to schedule a time to meet with their team. RedShelf also offers materials to help users make best use of their products and get accessibility support through RedShelf Solve.

What if a Pearson title is not available as an accessible eTextbook?

For all other Pearson titles, you can request alternate format text files for qualifying students at no added cost, provided the student has purchased or is renting the print or digital textbook. To request files, please complete Pearson’s disability request form. You can also contact AccessText Network, a clearinghouse for files from all major higher education publishers.

Have other questions?

Contact us for assistance

  • For accessibility support, please email Pearson Disability Support. They are always available to help with accessibility-related issues such as using assistive technology with Pearson products, alternative text requests, or accessibility documents.
  • For technical or general customer support, visit Pearson Support.

Get more information