14 point is generally regarded as being too large for standard
documentation.  12 point would be the absolute minimum with the option of
producing larger copies on request.

With regard to fonts, many of the san serif fonts should be readable by
someone with a vision impairment as it is the serifs which cause the
problem.  However, as there are probably as many different eye conditions as
there are fonts, it is always tricky to determine which would be the most
widely accepted.  Again, if someone has problems with the font you choose,
then consult with the individual and produce it in the most appropriate
format to suit that individual.  As you say, Arial is the RNIB;s preferred
font, but others such as Univers, Gill Sans and Helvetica are equally as
good.

Obviously this poses problems if one is talking about very large documents.
However, someone somewhere has produced that document on a PC and it can be
easily reformatted or provided as an electronic format.

JG.

John Gregory
Access Officer

                -----Original Message-----
                From:   Haeussler Elvira [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
                Sent:   20 July 2004 11:57
                To:     [log in to unmask]
                Subject:        Standard font type and size

                Hello all,

                I have recently run across a problem when asked to give
advice on an
                accessible font for the College to use in all its materials
. The aim was to
                find a font type and size that would be acceptable to as
many people as
                possible, including people with various disabilities. I
suggested using
                Arial, as that is the font suggested as a standard by the
RNIB. However, I
                have since been contacted by someone working with people
with poor literacy,
                who told me that some of the punctuation in Arial was
difficult to read for
                people with literacy needs, and that their suggested font
was Century
                Gothic, which in turn is difficult for people with poor
sight to read.

                I am getting the impression that different groups suggest a
different font
                style and size to use as a standard. Does anyone know of a
font that would
                be suitable for as many different people as possible?

                Also, I know that the RNIB suggest using 14 point print as a
standard.
                however, I have had many complaints from colleagues because
it looks too big
                on a page and takes up too much room. Does anyone know what
size is best
                used as a standard?

                I'd be interested in your comments.

                Regards

                Elvira Haeussler
                WONDER 2 Project Manager
                Dewsbury College
                Halifax Road
                Dewsbury
                WF13 2AS
                Tel: 01924 465 916
                E-mail: [log in to unmask]




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