Abstract

This presentation explores the intersection of disability, ableism, and accessibility within scholarly publishing. It emphasizes the crucial role of academic librarians in promoting inclusive research environments. Attendees will gain a foundational understanding of disability and ableism, examine systemic barriers affecting scholars with disabilities, and review relevant legal frameworks such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Marrakesh Treaty. The presentation highlights significant obstacles—ranging from implicit biases, inaccessible publishing platforms and tools, —that hinder equitable participation in academic research and publishing. It further outlines best practices for creating accessible scholarly outputs, including the implementation of universal design principles, inclusive mentoring, and disability-informed funding policies. Special attention is given to alternative publishing models, such as multimodal scholarship, open access repositories, and digital humanities platforms, which can expand access and representation. librarians and educators are positioned as key advocates for accessibility, working to dismantle ableism and advance disability equity in scholarly communication.