Write a note on digital accessible information system.

Digital Accessible Information System (DAISY) is a globally recognized standard for creating and distributing accessible digital content, specifically designed to meet the needs of individuals with print disabilities. It provides a framework for producing multimedia-rich, navigable, and fully accessible digital publications that can be accessed and enjoyed by people with visual impairments, learning disabilities, and other print disabilities. The DAISY standard aims to enhance accessibility, independence, and inclusion for individuals with print disabilities by ensuring equal access to information and educational resources in digital formats.

Key features of the DAISY standard include:

1. Structural Navigation: DAISY publications are structured to facilitate seamless navigation through content, enabling users to move between sections, chapters, pages, and headings with ease. The hierarchical structure of DAISY books allows users to navigate using bookmarks, headings, page numbers, and interactive elements, providing a more intuitive and efficient reading experience.

2. Text-to-Speech Support: DAISY publications incorporate text-to-speech (TTS) functionality, allowing users to listen to the content being read aloud by synthetic speech software. This feature enables individuals with visual impairments or reading difficulties to access textual information without relying on traditional printed materials. Users can adjust the speed, volume, and voice characteristics of the TTS engine to suit their preferences and needs.

3. Support for Alternative Formats: DAISY publications support multiple alternative formats, including audio, braille, and digital text, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of users with print disabilities. Users can choose the format that best suits their individual learning styles, accessibility needs, and assistive technology devices. For example, individuals with visual impairments may prefer audio narration, while those proficient in braille may opt for tactile representations of the content.

4. Accessibility Features: DAISY publications incorporate accessibility features such as high contrast text, customizable font sizes, and audio descriptions to enhance readability and comprehension for users with visual impairments. These features ensure that individuals with print disabilities can access and interact with digital content effectively, regardless of their level of vision or reading ability. Additionally, DAISY books are designed to be compatible with assistive technology devices such as screen readers, braille displays, and refreshable braille keyboards.

5. Interactivity and Multimedia: DAISY publications can include multimedia elements such as audio, video, images, and hyperlinks, enriching the learning experience and providing multiple modalities for accessing information. Users can interact with multimedia content, play audio recordings, view images, and follow hyperlinks to access additional resources or related information. This interactive approach enhances engagement, comprehension, and retention of content for individuals with print disabilities.

6. Standardization and Compatibility: The DAISY standard is based on internationally recognized guidelines and specifications, ensuring consistency, interoperability, and compatibility across different platforms, devices, and software applications. DAISY publications adhere to standardized file formats and metadata structures, making them accessible and usable with a wide range of assistive technology devices, reading systems, and software applications.

7. Production Tools and Authoring Software: Various production tools and authoring software are available to create DAISY publications, making it easier for publishers, educators, and content creators to produce accessible digital content. These tools enable the conversion of traditional print materials into DAISY format, allowing publishers to produce inclusive educational resources, textbooks, and learning materials for individuals with print disabilities.

Overall, the Digital Accessible Information System (DAISY) plays a crucial role in promoting accessibility, inclusion, and equal access to information for individuals with print disabilities. By providing a standardized framework for creating and distributing accessible digital content, DAISY empowers individuals with visual impairments, learning disabilities, and other print disabilities to access educational resources, literature, and information in digital formats, thereby enhancing their independence, learning opportunities, and quality of life.