Large Print or Low Vision Aids

• Enlarging can emphasise the imperfections in print
• Pictures are in black & white (and shades of grey)
• Labels on graphics or maths symbols may need further enlargement
• The total head-sweep needed to read large print can be time-consuming and tiring
• Because of their size, large print books often do not fit into school desks or locker
• Their size and weight make large print books difficult to carry
• There are comparatively few commercially available large print books in publication
• The format of black and grey on white eliminates all the colour that is available in regular books
• Production in large print is labour intensive and expensive
• Photocopy enlarging emphasises imperfections in letters and pictures
• Fractions, labels on diagrams, etc may not be enlarged to large print size
• The student may not be able to independently access regular print materials resulting in functional illiteracy
• Limited choices are available in large print for leisure reading
• Provision of large print may be based on other people’s need to help rather than the student’s required print size. Perhaps there is a history of large print usage. Perhaps there is a positive perception by adults of the value of large print (“my grandmother uses large print”). Perhaps eye specialists recommend it without measuring the student’s near acuity.

• Facilitates the student’s ability to read exponents and other small number notations in maths books
• Useful as a transitional tool for students whose primary literacy medium is switching from print to braille
• Little or no instruction is needed to use large print
• A Low Vision Clinic evaluation is not required for large print
• Student may be less self-conscious when reading large print (doesn’t need to use any special aids)
• LP books are funded by the production agency, whereas parental or other funding is required for magnifiers

• Magnifiers should be prescribed by Optometrist
• Magnifiers and clinical appointments are usually funded by parents
• The cosmetics of magnifiers may cause self-consciousness
• Optical problems associated with the optics of magnifiers need to be tolerated
• Instruction is required in use of magnifier
• Some time and commitment is required if student is to attain skill
• Reading speed and comprehension will probably be reduced in early stages of use

• Magnifiers allow immediate access to print anywhere
• Maps and graphics can be viewed in true colours
• Lower overall cost per child than large print
• Lighter and more portable than large print
• No ordering and waiting time for materials
• May be more cosmetically desirable than using huge books
• Allow greater independence (and choice in reading materials!)
• Can be used post school

The decision to provide large print to a student should be made by the child's educational team, following an appropriate learning media assessment.

See also Teaching the Use of Magnifiers for Reading , Reading Exercise Chart - three examples and Ideas for Encouraging the use of Magnifiers.

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