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<DIV><FONT face=Arial>Hi</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial>Just read the post relating to the recent Radio 4 debate
on font size and what should be set as a standard. As former publications and
editorial manager at the Disability Rights Commission (DRC), I was involved in
the writing and implementation of an overall publications strategy which
included a style guide on font size, typeface and various other accessibility
issues. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial>When the DRC began we decided to set 14 point as a
standard font size for all documents, excepting those in Easy Read (aimed at
people with learning disabilities) which were set at 16 point. It
was always quite a struggle convincing other organisations to do the same mainly
due to the cost implications - bigger font size meaning more pages and therefore
a higher cost. However, once the budget issues are taken out of the
equation one is left with the simple fact that a 14 point font size is much
clearer and easier to read. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial>I do remember we struggled with maintaining this approach
when buying ad space as the cost is so exorbitant in 14 point. Another bone of
contention was font size of footnotes in lengthy research documents but we
always stuck to our guns and it seemed to pay off!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial>Now working as a consultant advising businesses and other
organisations on how to make their information provision more accessible and
inclusive, I do still recommend a 14 point font size. Surely it is more
important to improve the quality and accessibility of a document for everyone,
not only people with impairments but also those who may have low literacy skills
or for whom English is not their first language. This approach only ends up
benefiting everyone. Equality of opportunity and inclusivity can only be
achieved if people commit to what is an exemplary standard ie what goes above
and beyond the 'norm'.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial>It is all about setting a precedent for best practice.
Once this has been accepted as the standard then others will follow
suit.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial>Best Wishes</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial>Katie Grant</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV><FONT face=Arial>
<DIV>Director<BR>Raincharm Communications Ltd <BR>Tel 07971 909007<BR>Registered
No. 6267862 <BR>VAT No. 913 3364 44<BR><A
href="http://www.raincharm.co.uk">www.raincharm.co.uk</A></DIV>
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