Accessible British Vogue
Embracing Accessibility: Audio and Braille Editions of British Vogue Magazine
“Disability should be personal to all of us,” said former British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful in a letter to the editor for the May 2023 issue. “Some 16 million people in the UK have a disability, and millions more are similarly disabled, whether visibly or invisibly. It’s time for us to rethink who we are as a society and for fashion to build a better, more accessible and inclusive industry.”
In line with this vision, British Vogue has taken a major step towards inclusion and accessibility. Starting with the July 2024 issue, British Vogue is offering audio and Braille editions, ensuring that its content is accessible to a wider audience.
Why accessibility is important in the publishing world
Accessibility in publishing is not just a noble endeavor, it is a necessity. The media we consume shapes our perspectives, our identities, and our cultures. For people with disabilities, a lack of accessible content often means exclusion from these cultural conversations. By offering audio and Braille versions, British Vogue is not only expanding its reach, but also reinforcing the idea that fashion and culture are for everyone.
British Vogue’s commitment to inclusion
With each issue published, British Vogue now offers:
- A free printable Braille translation: This ensures that blind or visually impaired readers can enjoy Vogue’s rich content in a format that suits their needs. To obtain the printable Braille file, readers can simply email accessibilityvogue@condenast.co.uk.
- An audio version: For those who prefer to listen, the audio version of each issue is available. For example, British Vogue’s August 2024 issue features singer, actress and model Suki Waterhouse discussing her relationship with Robert Pattinson, her experiences with pregnancy, and the challenges and joys of being a first-time mother. This issue delves deeper into her personal life, showing a more intimate side of the star, set against the backdrop of her burgeoning career. All audio files, including those from this month and previous months, can be accessed at Cloud of soundYou can listen to the audio of the August issue below.
Encouraging other publications to follow suit
The steps British Vogue has taken should serve as an inspiration for other publications. If they adopt similar measures, they too can become more inclusive and reach a wider audience. Here are some simple and cost-effective ways for other publications to improve accessibility:
- Audio versions: Creating an audio version of articles or issues can be as simple as recording a reading session. If recording is not an option, many text to speech software It can also help to generate these audio files efficiently.
- Braille translations: Partner with organizations that specialize in Braille translation. Alternatively, there are Software options available that can convert text to Braillewhich can then be printed on specialized printers. You can also Try installing a font in Microsoft Word to create Braille copies of your text.
- Accessible websites: If you cannot create audio or braille versions of your content, but you publish everything on your website, make sure that at least your The website is accessible for screen readers.This involves using alternative text for images, having a clear and navigable structure, and ensuring that all interactive elements can be used with a keyboard.
- Collaborate with accessibility advocates: Interact with disability advocates and organizations to better understand community needs and stay informed about the Best practices in accessibility.
Conclusion
British Vogue’s move to offer audio and Braille editions is a commendable step towards a more inclusive world. It sets a precedent that other publications can and should follow. Accessibility should not be an afterthought, but a fundamental aspect of content creation, and by making these small but impactful changes, we can ensure that everyone, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to interact with the content that shapes our world.
dohatGPT, a potential tool for increased accessibility, was used to aid in the research and writing of this blog post. Do you think this is an appropriate use of chatGPT? Why or why not? Let me know!
