Print Accessibility Considerations

In the diverse and dynamic environment of NOVA, ensuring all students have equal access to educational materials is crucial. Print accessibility is a key component of this inclusivity. Faculty and staff play a vital role in implementing strategies that make printed materials accessible to all students.

Understanding Print Accessibility
Print accessibility refers to the practice of designing and providing printed materials in formats that are accessible to individuals with disabilities. This can include students with visual impairments, dyslexia or other learning disabilities. Accessible print materials ensure that every student has an equal opportunity to engage with the content and succeed academically.

Key Strategies for Accessible Print Materials

Use Plain Language

• Communicate messages in a clear, straightforward manner.
• Avoid figurative language and overly formal or complex words.
• If technical language is necessary, include a plain-language summary or define terms at the start.

Use Clear and Readable Fonts

• Use sans-serif fonts like Arial, Helvetica, and Verdana for readability.
• Avoid using serif fonts, fonts like Times New Roman and decorative fonts that can be harder to read.
• Use a font size of at least 12 points for general text and larger sizes for headings.

Ensure High Contrast

• Use combinations like black text on a white background for better readability.
• Avoid problematic color pairs, such as red and green, which can be difficult for color-blind individuals to see.
• Ensure there is a distinct difference between text and background colors.

Formatting

• Use left alignment for consistent line spacing and easier navigation.
• Opt for one-and-a-half or double spacing to facilitate reading from line to line.
• Utilize white space effectively to enhance readability and separate content from unrelated elements.

Paper and Print Considerations

• Avoid glossy or bright white paper that can cause glare. Use off-white paper with a matte finish instead.
• Minimize the use of hyphens, as they can make reading more challenging.
• Incorporate images to break up large blocks of text and avoid placing graphics behind text.

Provide Digital Alternatives

• Provide digital formats, such as PDFs, which can be accessed on various devices.
• Ensure digital documents are tagged for screen readers to interpret the content correctly.

Through increased awareness, information sharing and practice, the act of creating accessible documents should become easier. Click here for access to video tutorials on How to Make an Accessible Document in Microsoft Word (Section 508.gov). Also, feel free to contact Assistive Technology Coordinator Derrick Fowles for guidance on how to make documents accessible for all students. 

Submitted by:
Derrick Fowles, AT Coordinator, DFowles@nvcc.edu