New Alexa skill makes audio reading even more accessible for people with reading disabilities

Thanks to a pilot project, members of Anderslezen can now listen to books, newspapers, and magazines on Echo devices using voice commands.

Brussels, September 2, 2025

In an important step towards digital inclusion, Anderslezen (a collaboration between Luisterpuntbibliotheek, Kamelego, and Transkript) and technology company Sensotec are launching a new Alexa skill. Thanks to this innovative development, selected members will initially have direct access to tens of thousands of audiobooks, newspapers, and magazines via their Amazon Echo speaker. The skill is specially designed to significantly increase the accessibility of literature and news for people with visual or reading impairments.

Reading with your voice

Anderslezen's new Alexa skill makes audio reading truly hands-free. By saying the words "Alexa, open Anderslezen," users get instant access to thousands of audiobooks, newspapers, and magazines. Users can activate the skill with the following voice commands, among others:

• Continue listening immediately: Say "Alexa, open my last read book" and the skill will automatically pick up where you left off. Ideal if you want to resume quickly.

• Search for books on command: Looking for something new? Ask Alexa, for example, "Alexa, search for Harry Potter," and she will find it for you.

• Navigate through your book, newspaper, or magazine: Move from one article or chapter to another with voice commands.

• Read faster or slower: Easily adjust the reading speed with your voice. Say "Alexa, set the reading speed to 120%" if you want to go faster, or slow it down if you prefer.
  

The added value of hands-free listening

Julie Denys, Marketing Coordinator at Sensotec, emphasizes the revolutionary impact: "Thanks to the Anderslezen Alexa skill, people with visual impairments can now listen to audio publications using voice commands. For the first time, it is possible to enjoy audiobooks without using your eyes or even your hands."

The new functionality opens doors for a wider target group. André van Caesbroeck, Coordinator at Kamelego, adds that "browsing the audio newspaper with voice commands will be an enriching experience, making audio newspapers more accessible than ever."

This is also a godsend for people with limited digital skills, says Wouter Piepers, Managing Director at Transkript vzw: "By soon making our audio magazines accessible via simple voice commands, we are ensuring that a new target group can enjoy our offerings. We are happy to contribute to this innovation that promotes inclusion."

Jan Rottier, Director at Luisterpuntbibliotheek, concludes: "By making the bookshelf accessible with voice commands via Alexa, we are offering an additional way of listening. This allows us to reach people who find it difficult to use a smartphone or other reading device."

Collaboration enhances accessibility through technology

The skill is an extension of existing services from Anderslezen, developed by Sensotec and usable on all current Echo devices. The collaboration between Amazon, Sensotec, and the organizations Luisterpuntbibliotheek, Kamelego, and Transkript emphasizes the shared commitment to digital inclusivity for people with reading disabilities.

"Alexa's voice technology is built with accessibility in mind—its hands-free, voice-controlled design makes it a powerful tool for blind and visually impaired people," says Bas Bakker, Senior Program Manager Alexa, at Amazon. "By working with accessibility experts such as Sensotec and NGOs such as Anderslezen, we have expanded Alexa's capabilities with a new skill that allows users to stream audiobooks effortlessly. This collaboration increases Alexa's everyday usability while reinforcing a core value: when our devices and services become more accessible, they become better for everyone."

Access to a wide range

Members of Anderslezen can choose from thousands of titles, including classics such as John Boyne's The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, popular series such as Harry Potter, and bestsellers by authors such as Suzanne Vermeer and Lucinda Riley. New titles are added continuously. In addition to books from Luisterpuntbibliotheek, users can listen to a selection of national newspapers via Kamelego every day and selected articles from magazines such as Plus Magazine and Knack offered by Transkript every month. This allows members to tailor their selection to their personal preferences and interests.

Availability

The new Alexa skill is now available to a select group of members of the Anderslezen community as part of a pilot study and can be easily installed on any Amazon Echo speaker via the Alexa app. Anderslezen publications are accessible with a subscription to Luisterpuntbibliotheek, Transkript, or Kamelego.

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About Amazon

Amazon is guided by four principles: an obsession with the customer rather than the competitor, a passion for invention, a commitment to operational excellence, and a long-term mindset. Amazon strives to be Earth's Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth's Best Employer, and Earth's Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfilment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.

About Sensotec

Sensotec is a Belgian/Dutch leading developer of assistive technology solutions dedicated to improving the lives of people with visual impairments. Through innovative products and a commitment to user-centered design, Sensotec strives to create a more inclusive and accessible world. www.sensotec.be

About Anderslezen

Anderslezen is the Flemish internet platform for accessible audiobooks, newspapers, and magazines. AndersLezen is a collaboration between Transkript, Kamelego, Luisterpuntbibliotheek, Blindenzorg Licht & Liefde, and Sensotec. www.anderslezen.be

Kamelego vzw produces seven Flemish newspapers in audio format every day for people who find it difficult or impossible to read the printed newspaper independently, e.g., people with reading disabilities or motor disabilities. Kamelego does this in collaboration with Belgapress and various newspaper publishers, including Mediahuis & DPG Media. Kamelego's added value lies in increasing accessibility and promoting inclusion, so that everyone can participate fully in society. www.kamelego.be

Transkript vzw makes reading material and information accessible to people with reading disabilities. The organization produces books, magazines, and school materials in Braille, large print, audio (Daisy), or digital formats. Transkript is strongly committed to inclusion, ease of use, and customization. From audiobooks to audio magazines, Transkript ensures that everyone can continue to read. www.transkript.be

Luisterpuntbibliotheek vzw is the Flemish public library for people with reading disabilities. Anyone who cannot read printed books or has difficulty doing so can become a member free of charge and borrow Daisy audiobooks and Braille books. Luisterpunt welcomes people who are blind or visually impaired, but also those who, due to a motor disability, neurological disorder, or dyslexia, benefit from reading in audio form. Our catalog currently contains 55,000 Daisy books. www.luisterpuntbibliotheek.be