Accessible Typography

Start with Lexend

Start with Lexend for most projects, which was developed to optimize readability and has been proven to improve reading proficiency significantly. Lexend is available for download from Google Fonts, and is available in Google Docs, Slides, and other Workspace software. Lexend is the default typeface for the district and school websites.

Atkinson Hyperlegible

Atkinson Hyperlegible is another option from Google Fonts that focuses on letterform distinction to increase character recognition. While Lexend is a sans-serif typeface, Atkinson Hyperlegible has more serifs. You may notice that Lexend has a single-story a, which is more familiar to early readers, while Atkinson Hyperlegible features a double-story a.

Caveat

Caveat is also available from Google Fonts, and may be used as an accent typeface. Because of the decreased legibility of a script typeface, ensure a 4.5:1 text-color contrast ratio. Also, only use for large text (14 point or 19 pixels bold, or 18 point or 24 pixels).

Typeface Considerations

In some situations you may have limited or no options regarding typeface. If this is the case, select a basic serif or sans-serif font. When more options are available, consider the following guidelines when selecting a typeface.

Try to use fonts without mirroring letters, as these can be difficult for dyslexic readers to decode without sufficient spacing between letters.

Avoid fonts with ambiguous letters, as it can be difficult to distinguish between characters and understand. Avoid the ampersand in body text, as it can be distracting.

Choose typefaces with sufficient spacing between letters so that letter combinations do not appear as a single letter.

While Comic Sans includes the single-story “a,” the irregular spacing of the characters and tall x-height create abnormal word shapes that are more difficult to decode. Avoid typefaces with abnormal word shapes that are more difficult to decode.

Emphasize without Barriers

Type size, varying weights, and spacing are great ways to emphasize text content.

Limit italics and avoid capitalizing all characters, as this decreases the readability.

Ensure that color is not the only way content can be distinguished from other elements.

Avoid underlining text in digital content outside of hyperlinks; this is a universal indicator for actionable content.