Creating a Print book

If your learner wants to read a physical copy of a title on RNIB Bookshare it is important to find out the most appropriate way to present materials for them. Different learners will have different requirements, depending on their particular print disability.

A great way to start is to download a Word file (or convert a PDF into a Word file). Converting it into a structured Word file means that you can easily modify to meet your learners individual reading requirements. Have a look at our Quick_guide_to_modifying_structured_word_documents.docx. 

UKAAF (UK Associate for Accessible Formats) (external link) create standards for accessible document creation. Whether Braille, Large Print, PDF (external links) or any other format including exam modification (external link). They offer guidance on the best way to meet someones particular accessibilty needs.  

Creating resources for readers with sight loss

RNIB Education web pages (external link) are a great resource and helps you to consider some of issues, we have picked out some helpful tips below:

  •  Plan ahead to make sure you/support staff have time to modify materials before the lesson.
  • Make sure support staff know exactly what is required and by when.
  • Consider producing all materials for all learners in an accessible font size (at least 14 point) and typeface (eg Arial) to reduce the amount of modification needed − this will also help other learners, eg those with dyslexia/specific learning difficulties.
  • Prepare resources electronically so that they can be saved and modified easily to produce different versions.
  • Provide electronic copies of resources for older learners so they can put them into their preferred format themselves on their own computers.
  • Remember that what you do will depend on your learners individual needs such are print size, type, colour and spacing.
  • Photocopying on bigger paper is unlikely to help your learner, enlarging text and putting it 'regular' sized paper will be much more managable.
  • Consider  whether there a limited time over which the learner is able to use their sight efficiently before their eyes become tired.

Braille

  • Learners who read and write in braille need specialist training to do so effectively. Even the most competent braille readers read more slowly than most sighted people read print.

Other helpful resources from RNIB website education section

Creating resources for readers with Dyslexia

  • Provide text on coloured paper.
  • Use a sans serif font on all printed materials, such as Verdana, Arial or Calibri and make sure the font is at least 12 point or above.
  • Provide highlighters so learners can track text that has been read, or highlight important pieces of information.
  • Provide coloured overlays as some dyslexic people can experience visual discomfort or disturbances when they read black text on a white background which can make reading more difficult and much slower.

 Source: British Dyslexia Association website

Helpful resources: