While many people associate assistive technology with specialized devices that are expensive or hard to find, many mainstream technology devices have started supporting accessibility features and built-in assistive technology that can make specialty tools more financially and publicly accessible for all. One of my favorite examples of this is the eReader, which has revolutionized how I access printed materials and given me access to more books than I ever could find in the large print section at the library. Here are features to look for when buying an eReader for users with vision loss, as part of my ongoing Mainstream Technology and Low Vision post series.
Screen type: LCD vs eInk display
eReaders traditionally come with one of two types of displays, LCD and e-ink (sometimes stylized as eInk). LCD displays are similar to the displays found on smartphones and tablet computers and are optimized for reading in indoor environments or areas with limited lighting, while e-ink displays mimic the appearance of a book page and are optimized for use with other environmental lighting such as a lamp or outdoor reading. Some eInk displays may have an optional backlight feature for providing additional illumination.
Advantages of using e-ink displays for reading with low vision include:
- Paper-like display does not use backlight or bright screens to display content, and is often an off-white color
- Content is displayed in a black and white/greyscale color scheme
- In general, e-ink devices offer a longer battery life compared to LCD devices
- Devices offer several options for customizing the display of digital text and larger font sizes compared to print copies of books
- E-Ink devices are available in a variety of sizes and are generally smaller than LCD devices, offering increased portability
- Devices include options for using physical buttons or gestures to navigate the device interface/turn pages
- For users that feel like they “stand out” when using assistive technology to read, e-Ink eReaders provide a discreet option for reading large print text as they mimic the size of a physical book
Disadvantages of using e-ink displays for reading with low vision include:
- Devices do not generally offer screen magnification programs for navigating menus/libraries, which may include small print or icons
- Table of contents menus are often displayed with smaller font sizes, making it challenging to use the menu to navigate a book.
- Pictures are displayed in black and white/grayscale and users may have difficulty enlarging images or interpreting image that use color to convey information
- While some devices have optional backlight features, they act more as a spotlight or reading light and may not provide enough illumination for users that need brighter displays.
Advantages of using LCD displays for reading with low vision include:
- Full-color displays show images with their original colors, with options to tap on images to enlarge them further
- Many devices offer adjustable brightness and color schemes such as dark mode for reading in different lighting environments
- Touch screen devices may have additional options for magnification or pinch-to-zoom
- Devices are generally larger than those with E-Ink displays
- Options for enabling custom background colors for text
- LCD displays may support additional types of content such as videos or interactive elements
- Options to rotate the screen for horizontal or vertical reading experiences (portrait mode vs landscape mode)
Disadvantages of using LCD displays for reading with low vision include:
- Readers may experience eye strain or fatigue from reading on backlit display for long periods of time
- Additional applications such as videos or internet connectivity can be distracting or decrease battery life
- Larger device size may impact portability or require a stand/case for use
- Screen may have a lot of glare when used in brightly lit environments
Related links
- E-Ink Displays and Low Vision Accessibility
- How I Use My eReader For School and Online Classes
- Mainstream eReader Apps and Low Vision Accessibility
Screen size
Many eReaders are designed to be the same size as a typical paperback book, with the most common screen size being about six inches (6” screen). There are also options for 7-inch, 8-inch, 9-inch, and 10-inch displays, with even larger options available for LCD devices. Users can also adjust text margins on their device to narrow the viewing window if needed.
Related links
- Mainstream Technology and Low Vision: Tablets
- Mainstream Technology and Low Vision: Computers
- How To Find Accessible Picture Books For Low Vision
Font sizes and formatting options
eReaders provide extensive settings and options for customizing the display of text, making them an ideal tool for readers with visual impairments and those that experience changing/fuctuating eyesight. While exact features may vary from brand to brand, eReaders generally support the following customizable display options:
- Large font sizes, with the largest size typically measuring around 42 pt.
- Adjustable line spacing
- Adjustable margins (narrow, medium, wide)
- Support for a selection of different fonts, including serif, sans serif, and OpenDyslexic fonts
- Line justification (left, auto, justified)
eReaders with a LED display also give users the option to change the page color and adjust screen brightness. These settings can be configured within the Text Options menu, which can be accessed from the reading toolbar inside any book.
Screen reader/text-to-speech support
Screen reader support and text-to-speech are generally not available for eReaders, though these features may be available within other eReading applications for Android and iOS. Some LCD devices like the Kindle Fire have text-to-speech support, though users who rely on nonvisual access settings like screen readers, braille displays, or keyboard access should consider using an eReading application installed on a mobile device over an eReader device.
Related links
- A to Z of Assistive Technology for Reading Digital Text
- Mainstream eReader Apps and Low Vision Accessibility
Ability to add EPUBs from outside sources
While users are generally limited to purchasing eBooks from specific distributors (e.g. Kindle books for a Kindle device), an important feature to consider when choosing an eReader with low vision is the option to add EPUBs from outside sources, a process known as sideloading. In this context, sideloading refers to loading titles into a reading or productivity application that were purchased or downloaded from another source using the file browser or cloud storage tool.
Examples of places for downloading eBooks for users with print disabilities that can be added to an eReader include:
- Bookshare, an accessible library for users with print disabilities
- Libby/OverDrive eBooks from the local library
- Files from a computer or other application
- DRM-free books purchased from another source
- EPUB files provided by accessible educational material organizations
TO SIDELOAD CONTENT FROM A COMPUTER TO AN EREADER:
- Connect the eReader to a computer via USB cable
- Once the computer recognizes the eReader, select the option to open the device to view files.
- Locate the device file folder for content or books
- Copy/paste files from their computer into the device folder to add the content to the device library
- Once finished, ensure that the device is safely ejected from the computer and restart if needed to refresh the library.
As of 2022, Kindle eReaders now support EPUB file formats. I recommend using the Send-to-Kindle tool to add files to the Kindle library from a computer or mobile device, no USB connection required.
Related links
- Sideloading and Low Vision
- How I Use Send-To-Kindle With Low Vision
- How I Use My eReader For School and Online Classes
- Receiving Accessible Educational Materials With NIMAC and AIM-VA
- Ten Cool Things You Didn’t Know About Bookshare
- Accessible Classroom Library Ideas For Print Disabilities
- How To Create Accessible Summer Reading Lists For Print Disabilities
Additional applications
Most eInk devices do not support additional applications or internet access beyond accessing the device bookstore. LCD devices typically support additional reading applications such as the Libby app for libraries, audiobook players, and some web browsing capabilities.
Related links
- Reading Magazines With The Libby App And Low Vision
- How Amazon Alexa Can Help You Read
- Free Digital Bookmarking Tools For Low Vision
- How To Find Accessible Picture Books For Low Vision
- Sora Free Audiobook Summer Reading Programs
Summary of features to consider when buying an eReader with low vision
- Screen type. LCD displays mimic tablets/computers and provie a backlit display that can be read in low lighting environments, while eInk displays mimic paper and rely on environmental lighting
- Screen size. The most common screen size for eReaders is six inches
- Font size and formatting options. Users can customize the text size, font style, spacing, margins, and line justification for books on their eReader. Most eReaders do not support text-to-speech or screen readers
- Ability to add books from outside sources. Ensure that the device supports EPUBs if users are interesting in downloading books from outside of the device’s bookstore
- Support for additional applications. eInk devices typically do not support additional reading applications, while LCD devices do.
Published July 26, 2017. Updated June 2025