Font Legibility

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com

In order to successfully read print, the student must be provided with print that is legible. Not only should there be consideration for the type style and fonts that are used, but there must be consideration for the quality of copies. In an effort to conserve money, many schools set copiers and printers to print at low resolutions. 
The quality of print that is produced becomes an obstacle for students who can otherwise successfully access standard print. Additionally, there is a trend of teachers reducing the pages in order to fit two pages on one page, thus conserving paper. Teachers need to be aware that this can not be an option for students with visual impairments. ​

Contrast

Always use the highest contrast possible. Use light (white or light yellow) letters on a dark (black or dark colored) background or dark letters on light or white background. The following is a visual example of good and bad contrast. 

Point Size

It is important to know the ideal point size for the student for both near, mid-range and distance tasks. Keep in mind that the relationship between readability and point size differs among typefaces used. 

Font Selection

Providing students with fonts that are legible will be necessary for all students in order to access print. While there is little information on the comparative legibility of typefaces, there is some evidence that an ordinary typeface, using upper and lower cases, is more readable than italics, slanted, small caps, or all caps. Avoid complicated, decorative fonts, and reserve such styles, for emphasis only. The goal is to use easily recognizable characters such as Arial, Verdana, Tahoma and Sans Serif versions of any typeface are often more legible, since the letters are simple. APH offers a free downloadable font, APHont,  that was developed specifically for low vision readers. The entire APHont Suite is available free-of-charge to qualified users for non-commercial purposes.

The following is an example of popular fonts. Each word was written in the same point size but there is a large difference in readability. 

Adequate Spacing

Text with close letter-spacing often presents difficulties for readers who have low vision, especially those with central visual field defects. Where possible, spacing should be wide. The recommended spacing between lines of text, according to the American Foundation for the Blind, is 1.5, rather than single space. AFB further states that text with letters that are too close together can make text more difficult to read.

It may be helpful to teach the student to place a strip of paper of a simple bookmark above or below the line or word being read to help with place finding. Some students will need a line guide that is paired with a highlighter to increase the contrast while helping them keep their place. For students that have difficulty with a line guide or bookmark, use a typo-scope (a card with a rectangular hole to expose a few words or a line at a time). A typo-scope can be made by cutting a window in dark paper to isolate words, lines, or single elements within pictures.

Paper Finish

Paper with a glossy finish can lessen legibility as it creates problems with glare. When possible, use papers with a flat finish.

Accommodations for Individuals with Visual Impairments

Cover of Accommodations for Individuals with Visual Impairments with a picture of an empty classroom filled with desks
Ensuring the student has access to the curriculum and entire educational environment is a key role of the Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments. This presentation provides an overview of accommodations for students who are blind or visually impaired. I discuss considerations for providing accommodations, go over common accommodations, strategies for preparing the student to request job accommodations and strategies for communicating needs to teams and employers.

Free Membership

Sign up for free membership to access the FREE downloadable handbooks and handouts on the Free Printables page along with access to the Goal Bank pages. Simply click on the Log In | Register link in the navigation bar. If you haven't joined yet, you will be prompted to create a password. ​

ECC Complete Set Bonus

Purchase the TVI's Guide to Teaching the ECC Complete Set and immediately unlock the pages within the ECC Complete Set Bonus including bonus printables, interactive sensory stories, interactive matching activities, interactive choice making activities, job task box activities and MORE! This is my way of continuing to support you and say "Thank you!" for choosing to purchase the Complete Set. 

ECC Instructional Resources

On-Demand Webinars

VI Job Posting Service

Braille Jewelry