Creating accessible information and documents

This is the third item in the series providing tips on creating accessible information and documents. For previous tips refer to Tips and tools

In addition to the tips in last week’s pānui, the following aspects also need to be considered when creating accessible documents:

Layout

Use plenty of white space around text and images and separate the different elements of the page.

Text and line spacing

› Line length should be about 60 characters.

› Left-align text and avoid justified text.

› Words should be evenly spaced.

› To accentuate pieces of text, use white spaces or boxes.

› Leave a space between paragraphs for ease of reading.

› Line spacing should be 1.5x and at least twice the space between words.

› Make sure there is a strong contrast between the text and the background.

› Make sure page numbers are in the same place on each page.

Paper

› Use matte or satin paper rather than glossy paper. Use paper of enough weight so the print does not show through on the other side.

Binding

› Print documents should open flat.

This content has been adapted from ‘Guidelines for Producing Clear Print’ by Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities Inc.

To learn more about creating accessible documents, look out for the items in future pānui. For queries, contact Senior Advisor Disability Communications Engagement, Paul Barclay on paul.barclay@cdhb.health.nz