Fondazione LIA is expanding its network of collaborations with the entry of a new member: the global digital book retailer Rakuten Kobo.

This partnership reinforces Fondazione LIA’s role as an international hub for promoting accessibility across the publishing supply chain and building a culture of inclusion.

Since 2014, Fondazione LIA has focused on partnering with institutions and companies to drive projects with real social impact. Rakuten Kobo joins a network that includes publishers, distributors, bookstores, and libraries—all working to set higher standards for the industry.

By connecting millions of readers to digital books through its e-readers and free reading apps, Rakuten Kobo treats accessibility not as a box to be checked, but as a way to ensure reading remains open and available to everyone throughout their lives. Joining Fondazione LIA is a key part of Rakuten Kobo’s commitment to the European Accessibility Act (EAA), but the company is already building features that go beyond these requirements to ensure a truly inclusive experience for every reader.

“We believe the ability to read should be enhanced, never limited, by the technology you use,” said Michael Tamblyn, CEO of Rakuten Kobo. “We are joining Fondazione LIA because addressing these challenges requires an ongoing, industry-wide effort. It takes a shared commitment to standards and inclusion. By working together, we can ensure that reading remains an accessible experience for all booklovers.”

“The entry of Rakuten Kobo as a member of Fondazione LIA is an important signal, confirming that the work we carry out to promote accessible publishing is recognised at an international level,” said Cristina Mussinelli, Secretary General of Fondazione LIA. “Rakuten Kobo’s commitment to accessibility also highlights the central role that players across the e-book distribution chain have in ensuring that every reader can discover, access and benefit from accessible content.”