Communications Guide - Fran O'hara

Accessibility Guidelines 5
Section 5.0: Design style guide for text
Accessibility of information can be improved through the use of language,
and also how it is presented. Our communications need to be as accessible
as possible to the widest audience, but space and budget constrain how
large the font size can be. We have created a text style which should be
adhered to whenever possible, it follows the RNIB ‘See it Right’ Guidelines.
Heading 1
Arial 24, left justified, purple, bold
Heading 2
Arial, 20, left justified, purple, bold
Heading 3
Arial 16, left justified, purple, bold
Heading 4
Arial 14, left justified, black, bold
All other headings - to match Heading 4
Normal - Heading 4 - Arial 14, left justified, black
List bullet - bullet, Arial 14, left justified, black,
Example: • List bullet
List number - numbered, Arial 14, left justified, black
Example: 2. List number
Section 5.1: Using Plain Language
“People need to talk in ordinary language.” The same applies to writing.
The Commission’s standard is to always use plain language, which everyone
can understand. Think about the terms you use and see whether they can be
simplified. There is a useful guide to simpler terms available from the Plain
English Campaign. (http://www.plainenglish.co.uk/free-guides.html), they list
words and suggest simpler alternatives.
Communications Guide Page 5.0