The more accessible your publicity printed information is, the more disabled people will know about and attend your events. Make it a creative challenge to produce publicity that gets the message across and is accessible as well.
As a general guide:
This means anything from 16pt to 22pt sans serif such as Arial or Tahoma
22pt bold is the largest font for a run of text on A4 paper
As a general rule, do not include images with large print information
Information stored on a word processor can easily be produced in just about any font size at the press of a button. If a person requests large print, check which size font. Ask if a particular colour of paper is preferred.
Many disabled people prefer to receive information electronically rather than in print. Electronic information is particularly accessible for blind and visually impaired people or people with dyslexia, who may use specific screen-reading software.
Information on audio tape /disk is an acceptable alternative for many blind and visually impaired people.
Blind peoples' organisations provide a service translating printed text to audio-tape. Always enquire in advance about costs and timescale.
Braille is used less often than audiotape. It is more likely to be used by blind and visually impaired people who have learnt Braille at school.
If you are thinking of providing information in Braille, consult first with Braille users as to appropriateness.
Blind peoples' organisations provide a service translating printed text to Braille. Again, always enquire in advance about costs and timescale.
The Graphic Artists Guild's website has a range of access symbols which are free to download
SPIT - Signed Performance in Theatre's website has a symbol for sign interpreted performance which is free to download
Mencap's guidelines for accessible writing, Make It Clear Explains how to use simple pictures to support written information. Click on Publications and then search for Make it Clear in the list.
How to Use Easy Words and Pictures - free pdf download from the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
CHANGE an organisation run by people with learning difficulties, produces publications including a pack of downloadable symbols to make information more accessible. Go to CHANGE's website.
See It Right Guidelines on making information accessible for blind and visually impaired people - go to the RNIB's website.
The British Dyslexia Association has guidelines on accessible information. Go to the Dyslexia Style Guide on The British Dyslexia Association's website
