Which minimum font size should be used for the print for a visually impaired?

The font you choose is important because it affects your site’s readability. Below, we list the most important elements that contribute to making a font readable.

Size

Choose a font that’s at least 16 pixels, or 12 points. If many of your users are older adults, consider using an even larger font size—19 pixels or 14 points.6,24 A small font size is more difficult to read, especially for users with limited literacy skills and older adults.

Which minimum font size should be used for the print for a visually impaired?
Quote

“I like when I can read the words without my reading glasses.”

Set up your site so that users can adjust the size of the text on the page.24 Web designers can make this possible by using what’s called relative type size. However, it’s still important to test out your website with different font sizes to make sure it’s still easy to read and navigate. Always check how your content looks on a mobile device, as well—newer, high-resolution screens that render more pixels per inch can make text look smaller.

Figure 3.3

NIH SeniorHealth includes a toolbar on every page that allows users to change text size and adjust color contrast (colored text on a black background).

Which minimum font size should be used for the print for a visually impaired?

Simplicity

Unusual fonts with unnecessary flourishes can be hard to read. Choose a mainstream font that will feel familiar to your users.30

It’s easier to read text printed in simple, familiar fonts like Verdana.

Example

Lucida Handwriting
“Regular physical activity is good for your health. Get tips to help you get more active.”

Verdana
“Regular physical activity is good for your health. Get tips to help you get more active.”

Also, while you can use a different font for headings and body content, don’t use more than 3 fonts on a page. Use fewer, simpler fonts to make your page look more cohesive.55

Serif or sans serif?

There’s been a lot of debate about which type of font is easier to read online—and overall, the research is inconclusive.30,56 However, some evidence suggests that serif fonts may make reading on the web more difficult for users with reading disorders.56,57

The bottom line: Choosing sans serif fonts is best practice when writing for the web.24,57,58 Use a familiar sans serif font like Verdana, Lato, Open Sans, Proxima Nova, or Source Sans.

Line height

Line height (also called leading) is the vertical distance between lines of text. Common line heights in word processing include:

  • “Single spaced” (line height of 100%, equal to the font size)
  • 1.5 lines (line height of 150%, equal to 1.5 times the font size)
  • “Double spaced” (line height of 200%, twice the font size)

Some word processors—and many web design programs—will give you even more options.

To maximize readability, use a line height that is 130% to 150% larger than the font size.56 This helps keep users with limited literacy skills from losing their place in the text as they start reading a new line—and makes it easier for them to use their fingers to help keep their place.

Example

It’s best to specify leading of about 140% (the middle option below).59

100% Leading
“Making small changes to your eating habits can make a big difference for your health. Here are some tips and tools you can use to get started.”

140% Leading
“Making small changes to your eating habits can make a big difference for your health. Here are some tips and tools you can use to get started.”

200% Leading
“Making small changes to your eating habits can make a big difference for your health. Here are some tips and tools you can use to get started.”

Line height is also an important consideration for mobile users. When paragraphs or bulleted lists include multiple links, extra height between lines helps ensure that users have enough room to tap the item they want.60

The following information is for print design. However many of the principles for print design are the same as for online design, for example text spacing. It has been adapted with permission from the Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities Inc.

Fonts

  • The minimum recommended body size is 12-point type for a general audience, while 16 point is the minimum size recommended for people with vision impairment/low vision, or people with learning disabilities.
  • Use a strong sans-serif font such as Arial.
  • Avoid highly stylised or simulated handwriting and typefaces.
  • Typefaces are available in different weights. Avoid light options as there is less contrast between paper and text.
  • Avoid italics, which can be difficult for some people to read.
  • Bold type can be used to emphasise text.
  • Avoid using all capital letters in words. The human eye recognises the shape of words and a word in all capitals is harder to recognise.
  • Use a typeface that makes numerals distinct.

Design characteristics

  • Avoid underlining except for hyperlinks.
  • Body text line length should be about 60 characters.
  • Align text to the left-hand margin.
  • Avoid right-justified text.
  • The space between lines should be 1.5 and twice the space between words.
  • Words should be evenly spaced.
  • Make sure there is a strong contrast between the text and the background.
  • Use plenty of white space around text and images and separate the different elements of the page.
  • Avoid using text over images or patterned backgrounds.
  • Avoid using colour shading and screens that reduce the contrast between text and background.
  • To accentuate pieces of text, use white spaces or boxes.
  • Leave a space between paragraphs for ease of reading.
  • Avoid fitting text around images if this means lines of text start in different places and are difficult to find.
  • Avoid using watermarks in the background of content to identify for example, “draft” and “confidential”. Signal these clearly on the front page and include in the running header or footer.
  • Allow extra space/widely spaced lines on forms for people to write on or for signatures.
  • Consistency is important, for example make sure page numbers are in the same place on each page.

Paper and binding

  • Use matt or satin paper rather than glossy paper.
  • Use paper with enough weight so the print does not show through on the other side.
  • Choose binding that allows the print documents to open flat.

Which minimum font size should be used to print for a visually impaired patient quizlet?

When communicating with a visually impaired patient, the nurse should use at least 14-point print. Print that is 14 points is usually big enough for a visually impaired patient to see. A font less than that may not be legible.

When communicating with a patient with a visual impairment which technique should the nurse use?

Do not rely on gestures or nonverbal communication while communicating with visually impaired patients. Make sure that the patient is using glasses or contact lenses. The nurse should communicate in a normal tone of voice.

Which measures would the nurse take while communicating with a patient with a cognitive impairment?

Try to address the patient directly, even if his or her cognitive capacity is diminished. Gain the person's attention. Sit in front of and at the same level as him or her and maintain eye contact. Speak distinctly and at a natural rate of speed.

Which element of the communication process is the patient displaying when frequently nodding and saying I see?

Active Listening By using nonverbal and verbal cues such as nodding and saying “I see,” nurses can encourage patients to continue talking. Active listening involves showing interest in what patients have to say, acknowledging that you're listening and understanding, and engaging with them throughout the conversation.