Large print and coloured paper

With more and more materials moving online and individuals being able to use browser options to edit documents, requests for large print and coloured paper options are becoming less common but do still arise.

Large print

Large print is the most commonly requested alternative format, and is very easy to produce.

Simply take your Microsoft Word document and increase the font size to what has been requested. Large print is normally point 18 but it is important to check with the individual what size they wish.

Your document will reorganise itself after increasing the font size, so you will need to check if line spacing has been affected before printing or emailing. This is one reason why it is important to structure your documents using headings and styles.

Keep a Word version of all documents you produce as it is easiest to change the font size there, rather than after you have converted it to another format.

Printing on coloured paper

Some individuals may request materials on coloured paper. Most will have a preferred paper colour, which may not be yellow. Users with dyslexia, other specific learning difficulties or visual impairments are most likely to find materials printed onto coloured paper helpful. It is an erroneous belief that yellow paper benefits all individuals with dyslexia.

It is important to ask whether individuals require a bright shade or pastel shade of the colour requested. Then simply print the document onto coloured paper.

Many departments have stocks of coloured paper, otherwise it can be ordered from stationery catalogues. Users should not be asked to pay for the coloured paper or for any other reasonable adjustments.

Contact

If you require any further assistance, please contact Viki Galt, the Head of Disability Information.

BSL users can contact me via Contact Scotland BSL, the on-line British Sign Language interpreting service. Find out more on the Contact Scotland BSL website.

Request an alternative format

To request this document in an alternative format, such as large print or on coloured paper, please contact Viki Galt, the Head of Disability Information on the contact details provided above.