KDP supports uploading of EPUB files, which can include accessibility features. However, they also still accept other formats like Word documents, which are then converted to their proprietary format.
While KDP doesn't mandate strict accessibility requirements, they do provide some guidelines for creating more accessible ebooks. These include:
· Using proper heading structure
· Adding alt text to images
· Creating a logical reading order
KDP's publishing process includes some automated accessibility checks, but these are fairly basic and don't ensure full compliance with comprehensive accessibility standards.
Amazon, KDP's parent company, has shown increasing interest in accessibility. For instance, they've implemented features like VoiceView on Kindle devices to improve reading experiences for visually impaired users.
As a global platform, KDP is likely to be influenced by international accessibility laws like the European Accessibility Act. However, they haven't yet announced any major changes to their policies in response to these regulations.
Currently, KDP places much of the responsibility for creating accessible ebooks on the authors themselves, rather than providing comprehensive tools or mandating strict standards.
Given the growing emphasis on digital accessibility worldwide, it's likely that KDP will need to enhance its accessibility features and requirements in the future. However, they haven't made any public announcements about major changes as of now.
To get the most up-to-date and accurate information, I'd recommend checking KDP's official documentation or contacting their support directly. The landscape of digital publishing is evolving rapidly, especially concerning accessibility, so KDP's policies may change to adapt to new legal requirements and market demands.