RCS - Benetech - Vision Ireland and Benetech Join Forces

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10/03/2025 11:15

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RNS Number : 9069Z  Benetech  10 March 2025

Vision Ireland and Benetech Join Forces to Launch EU-Compliant Global
Certified Accessible Certification

PALO ALTO, CA / ACCESS Newswire (https://www.accessnewswire.com/)  / March
10, 2025 / Today, Vision Ireland and Benetech announced a collaboration to
launch a groundbreaking partnership to provide the Global Certified Accessible
(GCA) certification program for European Union (EU) publishers. This
collaboration marks a significant step forward in ensuring digital
accessibility and compliance with the European Accessibility Act (EAA) for
eBooks across the European Union.

"Ensuring accessibility in digital publishing is not just a compliance
requirement; it's a fundamental step toward equality," said Chris White, CEO
of Vision Ireland. "Vision Ireland is proud to collaborate with Benetech to
support EU publishers in meeting the highest accessibility standards. This
partnership reinforces our commitment to breaking down barriers and making
digital content truly inclusive for all readers, particularly those who are
blind or vision impaired."

By combining Vision Ireland's deep expertise in EU accessibility standards
with Benetech's leadership in digital inclusion, the partnership streamlines
the certification process, providing publishers with a globally recognized,
EU-compliant credential. With certification from an EU-based organization,
publishers gain enhanced credibility and assurance that their content meets
the highest accessibility standards for European readers.

"This partnership is a major step forward for digital accessibility across the
European Union," said Ayan Kishore, CEO of Benetech. "As the first
independent third-party digital accessibility certification, Benetech's GCA
certification helps publishers meet global standards. With over 80
organizations already benefiting from our services, including Elsevier, Taylor
& Francis, and McGraw Hill International, we are proud to drive the global
movement toward more inclusive digital content."

A young woman with long, dark hair, glasses, and a burnt-orange sweater stands
against a red wall, using a tablet. She is looking at the screen while
interacting with the device.

The certification process involves a thorough review of eBooks to ensure they
meet the highest accessibility standards, including the EPUB Accessibility 1.1
specification and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 Level
AA.

"Accessible publishing is the gateway to equal participation in education,
employment, and everyday life," said Lina Kouzi, Head of Library Access
Service at Vision Ireland. "By working with Benetech to deliver Global
Certified Accessible certification for EU publishers, we are ensuring that
digital content is designed for everyone from the outset. This initiative will
be transformative in fostering a more inclusive reading experience across
Europe."

"Vision Ireland is thrilled to partner with Benetech to drive digital
accessibility forward across the entire EU," said Aaron Mullaniff, Chief
Services Officer at Vision Ireland. "This collaboration will accelerate the
adoption of accessible publishing practices, ensuring that inclusive digital
content becomes the standard for readers across Europe."

Publishers seeking the EU-compliant GCA certification can contact Vision
Ireland for details on the certification process, requirements, and benefits.
Vision Ireland and Benetech are fostering a more inclusive digital landscape
for all readers in Europe.

Benetech is a nonprofit dedicated to driving social change through
technological innovation. Its programs focus on providing accessible solutions
for blind, visually impaired, and neurodiverse individuals. www.benetech.org
(https://pr.report/83ew)

Vision Ireland, Ireland's national sight loss agency, has a mission to
transform the lives of people who are blind or vision impaired. We work with
children and adults across the country with a range of programmes, all
designed to ensure the individual can live life confidently and
independently. www.vi.ie/ (https://pr.report/83ex)

CONTACT:

George Mastoras

19144895282
georgem@benetech.org (mailto:georgem@benetech.org)

SOURCE: Benetech

 

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