CNIB promotes print clarity standards, announces new name.

CNIB announced Clear Print, international print clarity standards for printed materials and web sites, to make reading material more accessible to all Canadians from fully sighted individuals to aging and low-vision readers. The Clear Print announcement came along with news of a change in the name of the organization, from Canadian National Institute for the Blind to CNIB.

Clear Print standards were developed following an extensive international review of research into the variables that affect an individual's ability to easily consume print information. It recommends a number of standards. For example:

* black and white copy is preferred;

* Arial and Times Roman top the list of readable fonts;

* avoid glaring paper finishes; and

* larger type sizes are preferred (at least 12 point font).

Other recommendations cover type colour, type heaviness, letter spacing, margins and columns, and design and simplicity. The CNIB intends to raise awareness of the need for improved print clarity standards on packaging, labels and other areas where safety and human health are at stake.

The new name was adopted because the vast majority of clientele in the organization are not completely without vision. "CNIB plays an important role in the entire spectrum of activities related to vision and vision health --from research into the prevention of eye disease, to advocacy aimed at greater public access and equality, to public education related to eye health and safety, to client service for those experiencing significant vision loss," said President Jim Sanders.

www.cnib.ca/accessibility