As a website owner, it’s important to make your website accessible to as many people as possible. One way to achieve this is by making your website dyslexia-friendly. Dyslexia is a common learning disorder that affects how people process written language. It’s estimated that 10% to 15% of the population has dyslexia, so it’s important to ensure your website is accessible to this group of people. Here are some ways you can make your website dyslexia-friendly.
To make your website ADA-compliant, you can use our WordPress plugin AccessibilityBuddy. Using the plugin, you can easily make your website compatible with the ADA compliance checklist.
1- Use a dyslexia-friendly font
Using a dyslexia-friendly font in your website can make a big difference for people with dyslexia. While sans serif fonts are more accessible than serif fonts, specialized dyslexia-friendly fonts use a larger spacing between letters and a more rounded shape, which makes content easier for people with dyslexia to read. Popular dyslexia-friendly fonts include OpenDyslexic, Dyslexie, and Comic Sans (yes, Comic Sans!). Some accessibility widgets allow users to switch from a default font to a dyslexia-friendly font, so you may also consider this option.
2- Use clear and simple language
Clear and simple language is important for all website users, but it’s especially important for people with dyslexia. People with dyslexia may have difficulty processing complex sentences or unfamiliar vocabulary. To make your website more accessible, use short sentences and simple language. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that your audience may not understand.
3- Use images and videos to supplement text
Using images and videos can help people with dyslexia better understand your content. Images and videos can provide visual cues that help people with dyslexia understand complex ideas or concepts. For example, if you’re explaining a complicated process, you can use a video to show how it works. Similarly, if you’re describing a product, you can use images to show what it looks like from different angles.
4- Use headings and subheadings
Headings and subheadings can help people with dyslexia navigate your website more easily. They break up your content into smaller, more manageable sections, which helps people with dyslexia better understand your content and find the information they need more quickly. This practice also helps search engines index your content. Use descriptive headings and subheadings that accurately reflect the content of each section.
5- Use a simple and consistent layout
A simple and consistent layout can make your website more accessible for people with dyslexia. A cluttered or confusing layout can be overwhelming for people with dyslexia, making it difficult for them to focus on the content. Use a simple, clean design that’s easy to navigate, including consistent formatting for headings, subheadings, and body text to make your website more predictable and easier to understand.
6- Provide alternatives for audio and video content
People with dyslexia may struggle with audio and video content, so it’s important to provide alternatives. For example, you can provide transcripts for videos or audio recordings. This allows people with dyslexia to read the content instead of having to listen to it. You can also provide closed captions or subtitles for videos.
7- Provide options for customization
Everyone is different, and people with dyslexia have different needs and preferences. Providing options for customization can make your website more accessible to people with dyslexia. For example, you can provide options to change the font size, font color, or background color contrast. This allows people with dyslexia or visual impairments, such as low vision or color blindness, to adjust the website to their specific needs.
Dyslexia-friendly options for a more inclusive website
Making your website dyslexia-friendly can improve accessibility for a significant portion of the population. By using dyslexia-friendly fonts, clear and simple language, images and videos, headings and subheadings, a simple and consistent layout, alternatives for audio and video content, and options for customization, you can make your website more accessible and inclusive for people with dyslexia. Remember, making your website accessible is not just the ethical thing to do; it will also expand your audience and increase your revenue.