dyslexiafriendly

Dyslexia-friendly refers to materials, interfaces, and environments designed to be easier to read for people with dyslexia. It is not a medical term but a design approach used in education, publishing, and digital products to improve readability and comprehension for a subset of readers.

Common design features include left-aligned text with a ragged right edge, generous line spacing, short paragraphs, clear headings, and the use of simple, everyday language. Sans-serif fonts or specially designed dyslexia-friendly fonts are often recommended, and avoiding all caps, dense blocks of text, and justified alignment can reduce visual crowding.

Colors and contrast are also considered. High contrast text on light backgrounds is typical, but some users benefit from softer backgrounds or color overlays; providing options to switch color schemes can help. It is important to avoid flashing or moving elements that can cause discomfort or distraction.

Fonts evidence: Some fonts claim to help readability, such as OpenDyslexic, Dyslexie, and Tiresias. However, research on actual readability advantages is inconclusive and preferences vary; no font guarantees universal benefits, so user choice is important.

Implementation and accessibility: Dyslexia-friendly design is part of universal design and accessible publishing. It is implemented in websites and documents through guidelines like WCAG and plain language, and by offering customization options (font size, line height, background color) and by testing with readers who have dyslexia.

Relation to broader accessibility: The label can aid inclusion but should complement broader accessible-design practices and should not replace appropriate instruction or professional support when needed.