​Considerations Before Using Large Print

While large print can support access for some students, there are several disadvantages and limitations to be aware of:
  • Limited availability: Large print versions of textbooks and other materials may not always be available, especially in higher education or niche subject areas.
  • Bulky and conspicuous: Large print books are typically heavier and take up more space, making them harder to manage on desks, in lockers, and in backpacks. Their size can also make students feel self-conscious or set apart from their peers.
  • Restricted access: If a student becomes dependent on large print, their access to unadapted print materials becomes limited. This may delay or hinder the development of independent reading strategies.
It is always better to explore alternatives to "large type" first, since they afford greater independence in selecting reading material. If an optical device can enlarge reading material sufficiently, it is preferable to providing "large type books." When special textbooks are provided, the student is limited to reading only what is given to him/her, instead of being able to select whatever appeals to his/her interests." -Virginia E. Bishop, Ph.D. Teaching Visually Impaired Children

​Functional Vision and Enlargement

The belief that “bigger is better” does not always hold true. For some students, enlarging materials may actually make reading more difficult. For example:
  • Students with limited head or neck control may struggle to track across large surfaces.
  • A larger print size requires more visual scanning and can increase visual fatigue.
  • Students with central field loss may prefer standard or smaller text, depending on how their scotomas (blind spots) interfere with scanning.
Unnecessary enlargement can unintentionally reduce efficiency and comfort, especially when low vision devices or non-optical strategies (e.g., better lighting, contrast, positioning) would better meet the student's needs.
"Large-print books are commonly ordered for students with low vision, even when their use is unnecessary or restrictive (Koenig, Foundations of Low Vision. 1996). If a student becomes dependent using large print when low vision devices or non-optical approaches would allow him or her to read print efficiently, then the student's access to print materials is restricted to those situations when large print is available." -Foundations of Education Second Edition Vol. II Instructional Strategies for Teaching Children and Youths with Visual Impairments. AFB. p.181

​When Large Print Is Appropriate

​Large print may be the most effective option for students who:
  • Cannot read standard print at a reasonable distance and are unable to use optical devices due to motor limitations, fatigue, or other functional impairments.
  • Need to complete math worksheets, maps, or diagrams where sufficient space is required for writing responses in large print.
  • Are transitioning to braille and need a temporary print option to support ongoing learning.
  • Require larger materials until low vision evaluations and device training can be completed.
If the educational team determines that large print is appropriate, ensure that:
  • The print is at least 16–18 point (though larger may be required based on individual needs).
  • The typeface is simple, bold, and high contrast.
  • Adequate letter and line spacing is used to support readability.
Note: The relationship between font size and readability differs across typefaces. What works for one student may not work for another.

​Preparing for Post-Secondary Education

In college, students will likely encounter:
  • No braille textbooks
  • Little to no availability of large print textbooks
  • Frequent use of digital, scanned, or recorded texts
Thus, it’s essential to:
  • Teach students to use prescribed low vision devices (e.g., handheld magnifiers, CCTV, video magnifiers, screen magnification software).
  • Introduce non-optical strategies (e.g., positioning, lighting, contrast, digital access).
  • Support the development of a “visual toolbox” with a variety of tools and techniques.

Large Text Resources...

Library Reproduction Service (LRS) is a producer of large print books. It provides Large Print School Books for Visually Impaired and other print-challenged students who are taught in a mainstreamed classroom environment. Their durable hardcover books have been used in schools across the USA for over 45 years. The enlarged page retains the layout and numbering of the original, while the LRS-developed calendar format maintains a small closed-book size along with an 18 point text. Each book is custom-made for the VI student.
​Before committing to large print, consider whether optical devices or digital tools could offer greater flexibility, independence, and access to a broader range of materials. When chosen thoughtfully, large print can be a valuable tool—but it should never be the only one in a student's learning toolbox.

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