At Cognella, we believe that learning should be inclusive, accessible, and empowering for everyone. We recognize that students have diverse abilities, experiences, and ways of engaging with content–and we are committed to removing barriers that can stand in the way of meaningful learning. Accessibility is not just a feature of our products; it’s a reflection of our values and our promise to support all of our learners on their educational journeys.
Our Commitment to Accessible Learning
We design our resources with accessibility in mind from the start. Every student should be able to engage with content in a format that works for them, whether they rely on assistive technology or simply prefer flexible options.
Technology and Compatibility
We partner with two leading ebook platforms, VitalSource and RedShelf, to ensure compatibility with screen readers and other assistive technologies. For more information, see the following:
VitalSource’s Accessibility Statement
RedShelf’s Accessibility Statement
We also offer digital course content through Cognella Active Learning, which integrates seamlessly with common Learning Management Systems (LMSs) such as Blackboard, Canvas, D2L, and Moodle. When hosted directly by Cognella, our content is delivered via Canvas, which is certified as substantially conforming with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards (see Canvas’ Voluntary Product Accessibility Template).
Institutional Partnerships
We collaborate directly with campus disability and accessibility offices to ensure students have timely access to compatible, alternative formats of Cognella materials. We respond promptly to specific requests and work proactively with institutions to remove access barriers.
Accessibility Standards
Cognella is committed to developing educational materials that meet the recognized accessibility standards. As of summer 2025, all newly created digital textbook and interactive content is designed to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1 Level AA) and the Revised Section 508 Standards.
We recognize that some of our legacy content does not yet meet these benchmarks. While we are actively working to bring all existing materials into compliance, we are prioritizing updates based on student needs, usage, and institutional requisitions. This work is part of our long-term commitment to ensuring all learners can access our content without barriers.
When additional support is needed, we work directly with campus disability and accessibility offices to provide unlocked and remediated files upon request. This approach ensures timely access while we continue our broader efforts to improve accessibility across our full catalog.
New in 2025: EPUB Accessibility Upgrade
We’ve launched a phased initiative to convert our backlist of titles from PDF to accessible EPUB format. This effort prioritizes both strategic titles and individual student requests–so learners get the content they need, when they need it, in an accessible format.
Need Help?
If you have questions about accessibility, need content in an alternative format, or experience any access barriers, please reach out. Send an email to our accessibility specialists: accessibility@cognella.com
Last updated: June 2025