Thiography for dyslexics

    Some readers noticed a typo in the title. Part noticed both. Part did not notice at all. If you are from the third group, then with high probability you are dyslexic.
    Dyslexia  is a type of specific learning disorder that has a neurological nature. It is characterized by the inability to quickly and correctly recognize words, perform decoding, and learn spelling skills. These difficulties are associated with the inferiority of the phonological components of the language. They exist, despite the preservation of other cognitive abilities and full learning conditions.
    Of course, the Internet is rapidly moving towards an increasing percentage of media in the perceived flow of information. Nevertheless, the text was, is and remains a means of transferring a huge part of the knowledge obtained from the Web.

    Another important trend is that more and more attention is paid to usability problems for people with disabilities . At the same time, they almost never talk about the problems of dyslexics, and this misunderstanding should be corrected. Not without reason, according to various statistics, in developed countries we can talk about 5-15% of dyslexics in the population (although in Russia such statistics do not exist).

    Fonts for Dyslexics


    It is difficult for dyslexics to read:
    • similar letters in the usual style;
    • letters reflected along the vertical and horizontal axes;
    • inverted letters;
    • words with mixed letters.
    In this regard, conditionally “good” fonts are sans-serif fonts (since serifs make it difficult to read letter forms), with clearly visible external elements, so that the word form is easier to read (poor Cyrillic users!).

    According to Dyslexic.com , relatively “good” common fonts include Arial, Trebuchet MS, Myriad Pro, and Geneva.

    However, some font builders are developing fonts specifically for dyslexics. Dutch-made Read Regular
    font is available on request, apparently. Font Dyslexie , also Dutch, and distributed on request. Lexia Readable Font



    from the K-Type foundry, can be bought for British pounds. The font is used by McMillan.

    Fonts Gill Dyslexic and the Mono Dyslexic , clearly inspired by the Dutch Dyslexie.


    Free Delicious font by exljbris Font Foundry dyslexics is praised in the online discussion .

    The Sylexiad font family is based on a five-year study of dyslexics and a defended doctoral dissertation (PDF, English).

    The aforementioned Dyslexic.com also recommends the free Tiresias fonts and the Sassoon project (more intended, however, for learning to read).

    Text Design Guidelines for Dyslexics


    In addition to fonts, the design of the text itself also plays a role. We list the recommendations of the British Dyslexia Association (both for paper and for the web).

    Carriers

    • For duplex printing, the paper should be thick enough so that the text on the other side of the sheet does not appear.
    • It is better to use matte rather than glossy paper. It is advisable to avoid digital printing, which makes the paper more glossy.
    • For typing - on paper and on screens - it is better not to use a too bright white background. Cream or pastel colors are preferred.

    Font

    • The size of the font should be large enough - at least 12-14 points.
    • Use a dark font on a light (see above) background.
    • Avoid green and red / pink colors, as they can be difficult for people with color blindness to perceive.

    Headers and Highlights

    • To select fragments of text, it is preferable to use a bold face rather than underline or italics.
    • DO NOT TYPE CAPITAL: such text is more difficult to read than typed lowercase.
    • Headings type in lowercase large pins in bold.
    • For a more noticeable selection, frames can be used.

    Layout

    • Use the left justification, with the flag set to the right.
    • Avoid narrow columns (like in newspapers).
    • Lines must not be longer than 60-70 characters (for English!)
    • Do not use tight, compressed paragraphs - more air!
    • The preferred line spacing is 1.5 em.
    • When typing, try not to start new sentences at the end of the line.
    • Use lists (numbered and unnumbered) more often than plain text.

    Style

    • Use short, simple sentences.
    • Give clear instructions. Avoid long explanations.
    • Use valid, not passive voice.
    • Avoid double negatives.
    • Be concise.

    How are we doing?


    Perhaps I’ll finish the article without closing it. Friends, are there dyslexics among us? How do you live? What cyrillic fonts are easier to read?

    Curious links (may be replenished)

    Thanks for the stylistic changes, Lynx_Levy .

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