Web design for dyslexia
Research shows that readers access text at a 25% slower rate on a computer. This should be taken into account when putting information on the web. When a website is completed, check the site and information for accessibility by carrying out these simple checks.
- Navigation should be easy. A site map is helpful.
- Use graphics, images, and pictures to break up text, while bearing in mind that graphics and tables may take a long time to download.
- Very large graphics make pages harder to read.
- Links should not be underlined. Underlining text increases readability as letters appeared to be joined.
- Offer alternate download pages in a text reader friendly style.
- Where possible design web pages which can be downloaded and read off-line.
- Moving text creates problems for people with visual difficulties. Text reading software is unable to read moving text.
- Contents links should show which pages have been accessed.
- Most users prefer dark print on a pale background. Colour preferences vary.
- Some websites offer a choice of background colours.
- Encourage the use of hyperlinks at the end of sentences.
- Avoid green and red/pink as these are difficult for colour-blind individuals.
- Make sure that it is possible for users to set their own choice of font style and size, background and print colours.
Further information on Accessibility:
- BDA Accessible Formats Policy:
- BDA web designer:
http://www.distilled.co.uk/blog/distilled/usability-versus-dyslexia
- AbilityNet:
- BBC:
- JISC TechDis Accessibility Essentials: