At Epic, accessibility isn’t an afterthought. It’s built into the reading experience so more children can engage with stories in ways that truly work for them.
When reading feels possible, everything changes.
How Accessibility Makes Online Books Work for Every Learner
Every learner processes language differently. Some need audio reinforcement. Some benefit from visual tracking. Others rely on speech tools to navigate independently.
When barriers are removed, frustration lowers. Confidence builds. Kids stay with the story longer.
At Epic, we are committed to making our platform accessible to all users, including those with visual and hearing impairments. Our platform has built-in features that enhance accessibility:
- Speech-to-text search (iOS only): Allows users to search for books or topics using voice commands.
- Read-To-Me books: Professionally recorded narration reads aloud while the book plays. Pages turn automatically and words are highlighted as they’re read aloud. Readers can adjust the play-back speed.
- Audiobooks: Professionally recorded narration reads the book aloud. Unlike Read-To-Me books, audiobooks are strictly audio. There is no visual book or pages to follow along with. Listeners can adjust the play-back speed.
Supporting Comprehension Through Read-Alouds and Accessibility Tools
For many families, Read-To-Me books reduce pressure while strengthening comprehension. A child who once avoided reading books online can follow along confidently, hearing fluent modeling while tracking the text visually.
Accessibility can extend even further.
In addition to Epic’s built-in tools, families can explore third-party apps on Apple and Google devices that support visual and hearing needs, including VoiceOver, Seeing AI, Be My Eyes, TalkBack, Google Live Transcribe and Sound Amplifier.
Together, these tools expand access so more learners can successfully navigate and enjoy online books.
Epic Accessibility in Action: A Speech-Language Pathologist’s Approach
For Kate Ramacciotti, a certified speech-language pathologist who provides teletherapy to elementary and middle school students, reading isn’t a separate activity from therapy. It’s woven into it.
When she began using Epic in her sessions, it quickly became—as she put it—“an incredible resource in my practice.” She assigns books for students to read or listen to at home, reinforcing speech and language goals between virtual sessions. The continuity matters. Students aren’t just practicing once a week. They’re building skills consistently.
Moving Beyond Isolated Drills
Articulation therapy can sometimes feel repetitive. Sound-by-sound practice. Word lists. Flashcards.
Kate embeds those targets into purposeful reading. She selects books that naturally highlight a student’s target sound over and over again, allowing for what she describes as “meaningful, contextualized practice.” Instead of drilling sounds in isolation, students practice inside stories. The repetition feels purposeful because it’s tied to narrative.
During sessions, they read together. Not just to decode text, but to strengthen language development, retell stories, expand vocabularies and boost reading comprehension. Quizzes, which offer built-in comprehension questions at the end of a book, provide practical support. Kate appreciates that they target “the main idea, key details, plot and inferential thinking,” which makes it easier to check understanding and guide deeper discussions without adding extra prep work.
Letting Interest Lead the Work
One of the features she values most is the ability to search by topic and interest.
She shares the story of a student who is fascinated by geodes. By finding books on that exact subject, she works on vocabulary, narrative skills and comprehension through content he genuinely cares about.
“The high-interest content keeps him motivated and invested in therapy,” she explains.
Building Skills Beyond the Session
Kate adds that at the end of sessions, educational videos offer “a fun and meaningful reward.” They aren’t distractions. They’re motivation.
She also frequently recommends audiobooks to families, especially “the engaging narration of The Magic School Bus series.” These are simple ways to continue building listening and language skills during car rides or bedtime routines. Practice doesn’t have to feel clinical. It can fit naturally into everyday life.
Kate says that the platform “blends literacy, learning and engagement beautifully,” and is “a powerful tool in helping my students make meaningful progress.”
For her students, reading isn’t separate from speech and language growth. It supports it.
From Access to Empowerment
Access matters. Structure matters. Interest matters.
When students can choose from high-quality stories, including Epic Originals, and use read-alouds to support comprehension, reading becomes less intimidating and more empowering.
Whether used in therapy, in the classroom or at home, access to books online—plus built-in support tools—helps students practice skills in ways that feel natural.
Accessibility is not just about compliance. It is about opportunity.
Ready to Explore Accessible Books Online? Try Epic for Free
If you’re supporting a child with speech or language goals, or simply looking for online books that meet diverse learning needs, explore Epic’s accessibility features and expansive digital library.
Small adjustments can unlock meaningful growth.
Try Epic for free and see how the right support can open the door to reading for every learner.
About Kate Ramacciotti
Kate Ramacciotti is a certified Speech-Language Pathologist with over 15 years of experience helping children strengthen their speech, language and social communication skills. She has worked with students of all ages and provides both in-person and teletherapy services. Kate loves incorporating engaging literacy tools to make learning meaningful and motivating for her students. She is also a mom of three and uses Epic both professionally in her therapy sessions and personally at home with her own children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What accessibility features are built into Epic?
Epic includes several built-in features designed to support users with visual and hearing impairments:
- Speech-to-text search (iOS only): Users can search for books or topics using voice commands.
- Read-To-Me books: Professionally recorded narration reads aloud while pages turn automatically and words are highlighted. Playback speed can be adjusted.
- Audiobooks: Professionally recorded narration reads the book aloud. Audiobooks are audio-only, with no visual pages. Playback speed can also be adjusted.
These tools help make reading more accessible and flexible for different learning needs.
What’s the difference between Read-To-Me books and audiobooks?
Read-To-Me books include both audio narration and visual text. As the narrator reads, words are highlighted and pages turn automatically.
Audiobooks are strictly audio. There are no visible pages or text to follow along with. They are designed for listening only.
Both formats allow users to adjust the playback speed.
Does Epic offer speech-to-text search?
Yes. Speech-to-text search is available on iOS devices. This feature allows users to search for books or topics using voice commands instead of typing.
Are there additional tools families can use to improve accessibility?
Yes. In addition to Epic’s built-in features, families may choose to use third-party apps available on Apple and Google devices to support visual and hearing accessibility needs.
For Apple users:
- VoiceOver (iOS): A built-in screen reader that provides spoken feedback for users with visual impairments.
- Seeing AI (iOS): Helps identify objects, read documents, and recognize faces using artificial intelligence.
- Be My Eyes (iOS): Connects visually impaired users with sighted volunteers through live video calls for real-time assistance.
For Google users:
- TalkBack (Android): An Android screen reader that provides spoken feedback and navigation assistance.
- Google Live Transcribe (Android): Transcribes spoken words into text in real time.
- Sound Amplifier (Android): Enhances audio quality and reduces background noise to improve listening experiences.
Using these apps alongside Epic’s features can help create a more inclusive and accessible learning environment.
Who can I contact if I need additional help?
If you have questions or need further assistance, please contact our support team at support@getepic.com.
We’re here to help!
