Fall 2023 - PUB 480 OL01

Special Topics in Publishing (4)

Accessible Publishing

Class Number: 7481

Delivery Method: Online

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Online

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 15, 2023
    Fri, 12:00–12:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    75 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Intensive analysis of a particular topic, practice, or technique in publishing. May repeat for credit a maximum of two times.

COURSE DETAILS:

Discover the transformative potential of accessible publishing and pave the way for a more equitable and balanced society with industry expert, Laura Brady.

In this online course (OLC), we'll explore actionable accessibility steps for everyone in the publishing industry. When books are made accessible, society flourishes. Readers with print disabilities are often excluded from the joy of reading because the necessary formats are not readily available. As digital publications continue to grow, technical debt still holds back many from accessing content through assistive technologies.

In practical exercises, we will look at fundamental issues such as how InDesign, propriety software and the go-to tool for layout and formatting, can clash with ebook production, which uses open HTML-based formats.

This has led to an overwhelming amount of technical debt in the industry, hindering progress and leaving many readers with print disabilities unable to access most published books.

It's time for a radical shift. Let's move beyond "get it done, we'll clean it up later" and embrace a culture of inclusivity from the outset. The responsibility of accessible publishing cannot rest solely on the shoulders of production staff. To truly make a meaningful impact, every facet of a publishing house must be involved. Editors, designers, marketing, sales, and customer service teams all play critical roles in this transformative journey.

By ensuring your digital content, from books and journals to websites, newsletters, and catalogues, is accessible, you're actively contributing to a more inclusive society. Inclusivity means designing products and environments that can be used by all people to the greatest extent possible without the need for adaptation or specialized design. Let's break free from bolted-on accessibility and embrace a future where inclusive design is at the heart of everything we create.

Join us in the pursuit of an inclusive publishing industry, where every reader can explore the world of literature without barriers. Let's rewrite the narrative of accessibility and empower every individual to be part of the reading experience. Embrace the power of accessible publishing and create a more inclusive tomorro

Grading

NOTES:

 

 

Materials

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.