Dyslexia Awareness Month is celebrated each October. It is estimated that dyslexia affects approximately 1 out of 10 people worldwide.
It is high time we created an inclusive and positive neurodiverse environment. Here are some key strategies to make your texts more accessible for EVERYONE.
How to make your text more accessible
1. Font and Text Formatting
Fonts: Fonts sans serif like Arial, Verdana, Tahoma, or OpenDyslexic are easier to read.
Avoid Italics and All-Caps: Italicized or CAPITALISED text can be difficult to read.
Use Bold for Emphasis: Rather than italics or underlining, bold can help highlight important points.
Adequate Font Size: Use a minimum of 12-14pt.
2. Line Spacing and Paragraphing
Use 1.5 or Double Spacing: Adequate spacing between lines helps reduce visual clutter.
Short Paragraphs: Break text into smaller paragraphs.
Avoid Justified Text: Left-aligned text with a ragged right edge is easier to follow.
3. Colour Contrast
High Contrast: Use high-contrast colour combinations, like black text on a white background or black text on pastel colours.
4. Clear Layout and Structure
Consistent and Clear Layout: Maintain the same layout and avoid multiple columns.
Headings and Subheadings: Use clear headings to break down the text.
Bullet Points and Lists: Organise content using lists to make it easier to scan.
5. Simple and Clear Language
Plain Language: Avoid complex sentence structures.
- Short Sentences: Use concise, direct sentences. Full stop.
