Amazon has announced that accessibility is now a central focus for Kindle books. That matters, because for years Kindle has been hit-and-miss when it comes to making reading inclusive. With these changes, Amazon says accessibility won’t just be an add-on — it will be designed into the publishing process from the beginning.

 

Accessibility Built In, Not Bolted On

The biggest shift is that Kindle publishing tools will require accessibility checks before a book goes live. That means proper headings, alt text for images, and structured navigation won’t be optional extras. If the publishing pipeline enforces it, readers get a more consistent experience across Kindle apps, e-readers, and Alexa devices.

For anyone who listens to Kindle books through Alexa, this is especially good news. Clean tagging and better structure mean Alexa can read more naturally, skip sections on request, and give you control over where you are in the book.

 

How It Will Work

Amazon says they’ll roll out automated accessibility testing for all Kindle titles. Publishers will be guided to fix issues before submission, closing the gap between what’s possible and what readers actually get. Features promised include:

  • Reliable navigation by chapter or heading
  • Proper support for alt text on images
  • Consistent screen reader compatibility across Kindle apps and devices
  • Books that are structured to work well when read aloud by Alexa

It’s a systemic change rather than a cosmetic one, and that’s why it matters.

 

Why It Helps Everyone

This isn’t just about blind or low-vision readers. When a book is properly tagged and structured, everyone benefits. Search becomes more reliable, highlighting works the way it should, and syncing across devices is smoother.

Parents reading aloud to kids, students flipping between citations, or commuters listening hands-free through Alexa will all gain from these improvements. Accessibility is often framed as niche, but the ripple effects extend far wider.

 

Kindle vs the Rest

Other platforms like Kobo and Apple Books have leaned on EPUB standards that already carry strong accessibility features. Amazon stuck with its proprietary formats and often lagged behind. If these changes truly bring Kindle in line with EPUB accessibility, it’s a huge step forward.

Given Kindle’s dominance in the e-book market, improvements here don’t just help Kindle readers — they set a new baseline for the entire industry.

 

Closing the Book

Amazon’s new focus on accessibility has the potential to transform Kindle from a mixed experience into one of the most inclusive ways to read and listen. If the tools deliver what’s promised, listening to Kindle books on Alexa could finally feel natural, with the navigation and clarity readers have been waiting for.

This isn’t just welcome; it’s overdue. And for millions of people who rely on audio or structured navigation, it could be the difference between enduring a book and enjoying it.