A print disability is a difficulty or inability to read printed material due to a perceptual, physical or visual disability.
The reasons for print disability vary but may include:
- vision impairment or blindness
- physical dexterity problems such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, arthritis or paralysis
- learning disability, such as dyslexia
- brain injury or cognitive impairment
- literacy difficulties
- early dementia
How print disability affects individuals
Print disability will affect individuals in different ways, depending on a wide range of issues, including degree of impairment, degree of motivation, support, education, available resources and more.
A person experiencing a print disability is typically denied a broad range of information that the majority of Australians take for granted. In many cases, the absence of such information will result in ignorance and lack of action or sole reliance on the advice of a third party. All Australians have the right to equal access to information.
How we can help
As a client of Vision Australia, you can request up to 360 print pages to be converted to your preferred alternate format (braille, audio, large print or e-text) per financial year. Material eligible for format conversion under this service is limited to print materials for a client's personal use in a format to meet their accessibility needs. Examples of eligible materials include brochures/pamphlets, letters, appliance instructions, legal documents, recipes, knitting patterns, diagrams, books, magazines and newspapers.
For more information on alternative format conversions email printaccess@visionaustralia.org or call 1300 84 74 66.
This free service is funded by the Print Disability Grant provided by the Australian Federal Government.
Contact us
Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you.