Guidelines on how to produce good quality worksheets that benefit all pupils.
Word process materials wherever possible. Word-processed work is uniform in style and size and therefore easier to access. Save materials so that print size, style or page layout can be changed easily in the future.
Use a clear, easy to read font type style such as Arial or Comic Sans. Avoid ornate and italic fonts. The QTVI can advised the optimum sized print.
Avoid using upper case letters for whole words, as this reduces the characteristic features of the text.
Avoid underlining. Use bold text instead.
Only use handwriting where necessary.
Black text colour is usually best. A plain, well contrasting background will ensure maximum accessibility. Never put print over a picture. Write a caption below or above instead.
White space on the page reduces the density of text and makes it more accessible. Double spacing between statements or questions improves legibility. Spaces between words should be consistent.
Lay out text in a straightforward and consistent format. Lists are better than scattered words. Keep the layout as simple as possible and be consistent throughout the work.
Use good quality paper which is thick enough for text on the reverse side not to show through. On poorer quality paper, print on one side only. A4 is always preferable to A3 as many students struggle to scan large pages for detail.
Keep unnecessary visual detail to a minimum to allow easier access.
Clearly number tasks on the same page or the facing page of the information to which they refer.
In some cases it may be useful to present the questions before the text. This will help readers who struggle to scan a lot of text for information.
Read an pdf example of a modified worksheet (148 KB) .
Find more information on the Visually impaired children site.