Accessible digital textbooks
Save time by purchasing accessible eTextbooks on your own
With several ways to access Pearson’s accessible eTextbooks, you no longer have to buy print textbooks or wait for your school’s disability office to provide an accessible file.
Pearson eTextbook
Pearson’s newest eTextbook platform meets the majority of WCAG 2.1 Level AA Standards. We’re continually updating our eTextbook platform to improve accessibility, usability, and compatibility with assistive technologies.
You have two ways to access Pearson eTextbook:
- Are you using MyLab® or Mastering®? If so, you may already have access to an accessible digital textbook. To open the eTextbook, go to the MyLab or Mastering course menu in your browser and select the eTextbook option.
- Are you using or looking to purchase Pearson+? You can log in to Pearson+ to access your eTextbooks from your computer or mobile device (iOS and Android), even when offline. For additional information for your specific title, contact Pearson Disability Support.
VitalSource
You can choose to purchase Pearson titles as eTextbooks from VitalSource. With your purchase, you’ll have instant access to your eTextbooks through the VitalSource Bookshelf platform.
FAQs
How do I find accessible eTextbooks in the VitalSource catalog?
Look for the Accessibility tab on a publication’s product detail page. There you’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.
- For information on reading system support for accessibility features in EPUB, visit the website for epubtest.org.
- For VPATs (voluntary product accessibility statements), visit the VitalSource Accessibility Support site.
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 I have to go through my campus disability or accessibility office to purchase a VitalSource eTextbook?
No. You can purchase eTextbooks directly from VitalSource, on your own.
What if I’m having trouble purchasing or using one of these accessible eTextbooks?
Please contact the VitalSource Support Center, which is open 24/7 year round. You can talk with a US-based expert by calling 1-855-200-4146. Or you can email the VitalSource support team.
What if a Pearson title is not available as an accessible eTextbook?
Please contact your school’s disability services coordinator or other school official. They can request an alternate format text file on your behalf, as long as you’ve purchased or are renting the print or digital textbook. Your disability services coordinator will require documentation of your disability and of your enrollment in the course, as well as proof of purchase for the text.
RedShelf
You can choose to purchase Pearson titles as eTextbooks from RedShelf. With your purchase, you’ll have instant access to your 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.
- For information on reading system support for accessibility features in EPUB, visit the website for epubtest.org.
- For VPATs (voluntary product accessibility statements), visit the RedShelf Accessibility Support site.
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 I have to go through my campus disability or accessibility office to purchase a RedShelf eTextbook?
No. You can purchase eTextbooks directly from RedShelf, on your own.
What if I 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?
Please contact your school’s disability services coordinator or other school official. They can request an alternate format text file on your behalf, as long as you’ve purchased or are renting the print or digital textbook. Your disability services coordinator will require documentation of your disability and of your enrollment in the course, as well as proof of purchase for the text.
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
- For support articles on accessibility, browse our Accessibility Information Knowledge Base.