Tips on Making Printed Materials More Accessible

From Self-advocates at Milton Keynes People First

1. Make sure the language is easy to understand. Some people call this "Plain English," but we just call it jargon-free, good access language. But make sure this language is not babying or patronizing. You could have an index at the back to explain hard words, or explain them in the text.
2. Use a font like Comic Sans MS or Ariel and make sure it is at least 20-point at all times. If you have room for even larger point, make it larger.
3. Don't type things in all capitals as this makes a person who is learning to read, or who has difficulty reading, think each word is a new sentence. Do use bold but don't use italics or any fancy fonts.
4. Use pale paper so there is a good colour contrast - do not use fluorescent or dark paper.
5. Use symbols and photos on the right hand side...it's easier if all the photos are on the same side. Be sure the symbols make sense.
6. Make sure things are straight to the point to catch the reader's interest.
7. Use numbers instead of bullets and don't use Roman Numerals.
8. Make things larger. Some people like to have the enlarged notes on regular letter size paper and others like it blown up on larger paper (for example, 11" x 17"). We prefer the bigger paper because even though this stands out, everyone turns the pages at the same time, no matter what size paper they have.

The NCDDR thanks:
Milton Keynes People First, a branch of Central England People First Ltd., Company Registration No. 3030513. http://www.peoplefirst.org.uk/
Kathleen Franklin, Chairperson miltonkeynes@peoplefirst.org.uk 

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