By Shelley Roossien, Accessibility and Inclusion Specialist
At Kent District Library, we are committed to making reading accessible and enjoyable for all children, including those with dyslexia. Unfortunately, finding reading materials that are dyslexic-friendly can be a challenge, even for experienced librarians. We gathered some helpful tips and tricks to help you find these books in our collection, as well as additional information about dyslexic friendly fonts.
Searching for Dyslexic-Friendly Books
While publishers do not typically include font information in catalog records, you can still find books with dyslexic-friendly fonts in our collection. Here are some tips:
- Search the KDL Catalog: Use the search term "Dyslexie font" in our catalog. This search will bring up around 40 children's books that are printed in the Dyslexie font, a typeface specifically designed to make reading easier for individuals with dyslexia.
- Ebooks in Libby: All ebooks available through the Libby app can be converted to the Open Dyslexic font. While we understand that many parents want to limit their children's screen time, this is a good option when a print version is unavailable.
What Makes a Font Dyslexic-Friendly?
Dyslexic-friendly fonts are designed to reduce the common reading errors experienced by individuals with dyslexia. Here are some characteristics that make a font dyslexic-friendly:
- Distinctive Letter Shapes: Each letter has a unique shape to prevent confusion between similar-looking letters (e.g., 'b' and 'd').
- Heavier Bottoms: Letters have a heavier bottom to help anchor them to the line and reduce the likelihood of flipping or rotating.
- Consistent Spacing: Increased spacing between letters and words helps prevent crowding and makes it easier to follow the text.
- Readable Design: Simple, sans-serif fonts with clear, open shapes are generally easier to read.
Suggested Dyslexic-Friendly Fonts
Here are some fonts that are considered dyslexic-friendly and can be used to enhance the reading experience:
- Dyslexie
- Open Dyslexic
- Lexie Readable
- Arial
- Verdana
- Comic Sans
These fonts are designed to improve readability and reduce the visual stress that can make reading challenging for individuals with dyslexia.
Other Alternatives
As an alternative to print materials, there are several non-traditional reading options that can be incredibly beneficial for children with dyslexia in our collection:
- Audiobooks: Listening to audiobooks can help children enjoy stories without the stress of decoding text. Our extensive audiobook collection is available both in physical format and through digital platforms like Libby.
- Readalongs: These books come with an audio component that reads the story aloud while the child follows along in the book. This can help improve reading skills and comprehension.
- Vox Books and Wonderbooks: These are print books with built-in audio players. Children can listen to the story as they read along, making it a fun and interactive reading experience.
- Reading Pens: Available in our Beyond Books collection, reading pens scan text and read it aloud. This tool is especially helpful for children with dyslexia or other reading difficulties, providing immediate support and enhancing their reading experience.
We hope these tips help you find the right books and resources for your young readers. For a curated list of dyslexic-friendly books available at Kent District Library, please check out this book list. Happy reading!
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