1. Background
Around 600 people in West Dunbartonshire are registered Blind or Partially Sighted. A further 1200 are estimated to be eligible for registration. An additional 3000 people will have sight problems that make it difficult or impossible to read ordinary newspaper print.
Around 90% of people with visual impairment are over 60 years old, and the problems of sight loss are frequently compounded by other forms of disability.
There are many different forms of visual impairment, such as
> loss of central vision
> tunnel vision
> seeing everything as a blur
> having bits of the field of vision missing
> being able only to distinguish dark from light
Only a very small proportion of people with visual impairment see nothing at all.
It is not always easy to identify people with visual impairment. Very few have a guide dog, and not all carry a white stick or wear dark glasses.
Methods of accessing written information vary widely. Very few visually impaired people use Braille. An increasing number access information using modified computers. Many people prefer audiotape and they will increasingly use CDs. Large print is suitable for people with less severe sight loss.
2. What We Call Visual Impairment
The terms blind and partially sighted can be used to describe different degrees of visual impairment but can have a variety of meanings. It is therefore preferable to use the general term 'visual impairment'.
The general term 'sensory impairment' refers to hearing and/or sight loss.
3. Good Practice In Communicating
> Do not assume that everyone can see.
> If you think someone may have sight problems, ask if they need any help. This will vary between individuals and will depend on setting and circumstance.
> Talk naturally.
> When you approach a blind or partially sighted person, say who you are and address him/her by name if you know it. If not, a light touch on the arm will indicate who you are speaking to, but be aware of 'personal space'.
> Before you move away, say that you are about to leave.
> Do not leave things lying around which a blind person could trip over.
> Do not leave a blind person standing alone without some point of reference (e.g. a chair or a wall).
> To help a blind person into a chair, put his or her hand on the seat or back of the chair. He or she will be able to do the rest.
> If you are providing information, remember to check what format the person needs it in.
> Remember to record how many requests you get for information and in what format (for future planning).
4. Information In Print
Many visually impaired people can access information in print if it is of sufficient size and boldness, and the layout and contrast are good. RNIB produces guidelines on making print legible. Many of their recommendations are good practice for all written information.
Paper - use matt, not glossy, paper. Use paper that is thick enough to prevent type showing through on the other side. Photocopy from originals, using light paper.
Font - the Council regards Arial as the standard font for papers and publications.
Type Size - 12 point print size should be used, unless the document makes this unsuitable.
Contrast - make sure there is good contrast between the type and background paper. Black type on white or yellow paper gives good contrast. If you use a colour other than black for print, make sure it is a dark colour and print it on light coloured paper. Do not use red and green together.
Background - always print on a plain background. Do not print over pictures or graphics.
Reversals - white type on black or another dark colour is acceptable provided that the typeface, size and weight are suitable. Where possible, increase the type size to 14 point.
Capitals - avoid using capitals for large blocks of text. Most people find it easier to read upper and lower case.
Content - a clear contents list and headings assist visually impaired readers to locate information.
Line length - should be in the range of 50 - 65 characters or less.
Spacing - maintain even word spacing. Do not condense or stretch lines of type. Unjustified right hand margins help partially sighted readers follow the text. Avoid splitting words at the end of lines.
Paragraphs - should be short and have clear spacing between them.
Design and Layout - where possible, avoid use of double columns or tabular presentation of information, as these are difficult to present in alternative formats.
Dates - do not use "date as postmark" on letters. The date should always be clearly shown
For futher information on alternative formats click here .
For useful contact details for organisations supporting people with visual impairment click here
