Easy Ways to Get Print Accessibility

The accessibility of print materials is a critical consideration in ensuring that information is available to everyone, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. Accessibility in print encompasses various aspects, from the design of printed materials to the format and readability. Let’s explore some key elements of making print materials more accessible:

1. Clear Typography and Font Choices:

• Readability: Choose legible fonts with clear letterforms. Sans-serif fonts like Arial or Verdana are often recommended for better readability.
• Font Size: Ensure an appropriate font size. Larger fonts, typically 12 points or above, are more accessible for a broader audience.

2. Contrast and Color Choices:

• High Contrast: Use high-contrast color combinations between text and background to enhance readability. Dark text on a light background or vice versa is generally preferred.
• Avoid Over-reliance on Color: Ensure that information is not conveyed solely through color. Use other cues like text, patterns, or icons to convey essential information.

3. Clear Layout and Formatting:

• Consistent Layout: Maintain a consistent layout throughout the document to provide a predictable reading experience.
• Headings and Subheadings: Use clear headings and subheadings with appropriate hierarchy to organize content effectively.

4. Images and Graphics:

• Alt Text: Provide descriptive alternative text for images to make content accessible to individuals using screen readers or those who cannot view images.
• Simple Graphics: Use simple, clear graphics. Complex images may be difficult for some individuals to interpret.

5. Accessible Language:

• Plain Language: Use plain and straightforward language to enhance comprehension for a diverse audience.
• Avoid Jargon: Minimize the use of technical jargon or industry-specific terms that may not be universally understood.

6. Print Formats:

• Large Print: Offer materials in large print format for individuals with visual impairments.
• Braille: Consider providing Braille versions of important documents for individuals who are blind or have significant visual impairments.

7. Physical Accessibility:

• Paper Quality and Texture: Choose paper with good quality and appropriate texture, as it can affect readability for individuals with certain sensory sensitivities.
• Binding and Pagination: Ensure that printed materials are easy to handle, and consider the format of binding for ease of use.

8. Testing with Users:

• User Testing: Involve individuals with diverse abilities in testing your printed materials to gather feedback on accessibility.
• Iterative Improvements: Use feedback to make iterative improvements, ensuring that accessibility is an ongoing consideration.

9. Legal Compliance:

• Regulatory Requirements: Be aware of and comply with accessibility standards and regulations, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

10. Digital Alternatives:

• Provide Digital Copies: Offer digital alternatives alongside printed materials, ensuring that online versions are also accessible.

By considering these elements, designers and publishers can contribute to making print materials more inclusive and accessible to a broader audience, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.