Designing for Accessibility: Making Print Inclusive for All Audiences

In today’s world, inclusivity isn’t just a trend — it’s an expectation. Brands are recognizing the importance of designing experiences that are accessible to everyone, including those with visual, cognitive, or physical disabilities. While much of the accessibility conversation focuses on digital media, print design also plays a vital role in inclusion.

At Schiele Group, we believe that print should connect with every audience — no exceptions. From clear typography and color contrast to tactile finishes and large-format readability, designing for accessibility ensures your printed materials communicate effectively and respectfully with all.

This guide explores how accessibility principles apply to print, why they matter, and how thoughtful design choices can make your marketing more inclusive and impactful.

Why Accessibility Matters in Print Design

Accessible print design goes beyond compliance — it’s about connection. Whether it’s a brochure, sign, label, or direct mail piece, every printed communication should be easy to read, understand, and engage with.

Here’s why it matters:

1. Inclusive communication builds trust.

   Accessible design shows your audience you care about every individual — regardless of ability. It reinforces your brand’s values and commitment to diversity and inclusion.

   
   

2. It improves overall readability.

   Good accessibility practices, like clear fonts and logical hierarchy, benefit everyone, not just people with disabilities.

   
   

3. It extends your reach.

   Approximately 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. live with some form of disability. That’s a significant audience that could be overlooked by an inaccessible design.

   
   

4. It strengthens your brand reputation.

   
   

   Companies that prioritize accessibility are often seen as forward-thinking and socially responsible — qualities that resonate strongly with modern consumers.

   
   

Typography: Clarity Over Complexity

The foundation of accessible print design begins with typography.

Choose Legible Typefaces

Avoid overly decorative fonts that sacrifice readability for style. Sans-serif fonts like Helvetica, Arial, or Verdana tend to perform best for body text. If you use a serif font, ensure it’s open and clean, like Georgia or Tisa.

Mind Your Font Size

For general print materials, 12-point font is often considered a minimum. For signage, packaging, and labels, larger type is critical — typically between 18–24 points, depending on viewing distance.

Use Proper Line Spacing

Ample leading (space between lines) improves readability. Aim for 1.2x to 1.5x the font size. Dense text blocks can overwhelm readers, especially those with dyslexia or low vision.

Avoid All Caps and Excessive Italics

All-caps text can be challenging to read for those with visual impairments, as the letters lose their familiar shapes. Instead, use bold for emphasis and reserve italics for short phrases.

Color and Contrast: Designing with Visibility in Mind

Color plays a major role in accessibility — and not just for aesthetics.

High Contrast Is Key

Contrast between text and background ensures that content is distinguishable for everyone. Aim for a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text (following WCAG guidelines often used in digital accessibility).

Example:✅ Black text on a white or light background❌ Light gray text on a white background

Avoid Relying on Color Alone

Color blindness affects approximately 300 million people worldwide. Avoid using color as the only way to convey meaning. For example, instead of saying, “Refer to the red section,” include symbols, textures, or labels to reinforce information.

Check Your Palettes

When designing brand materials, test color combinations using color blindness simulators to ensure all visual elements remain distinct and legible.

Imagery, Icons, and Layout: Make Content Easy to Navigate

A well-structured layout is essential for comprehension.

Use Clear Hierarchy

Headings, subheadings, and consistent formatting guide the reader’s eye through the material. For brochures and flyers, consider visual cues like numbering, arrows, or icons to indicate flow.

Simplify Visuals

Avoid cluttered layouts or overly complex graphics. White space is your friend — it gives readers room to breathe and helps focus attention on key information.

Provide Descriptive Text

If your print piece relies heavily on visuals (charts, maps, infographics), consider including descriptive captions or summaries. This supports comprehension for readers who may struggle with visual details.

Tactile and Multi-Sensory Printing Options

Accessibility isn’t just visual — it can also be tactile. Advances in print technology now make it possible to incorporate textures and finishes that enhance understanding and engagement.

Braille and Raised Lettering

For essential signage or wayfinding, incorporating Braille or raised text ensures accessibility for visually impaired individuals.

Embossing and Textured Finishes

Tactile printing adds a physical dimension that enhances engagement. Raised coatings, soft-touch finishes, and dimensional varnishes can help differentiate information or create interactive experiences.

QR Codes and Digital Integration

Include scannable QR codes that link to audio descriptions, large-print PDFs, or videos with captions. This bridges the gap between print and digital accessibility.

Material Choices: Function Meets Inclusion

Selecting the right substrate is another key part of accessible design.

• Matte finishes reduce glare, improving readability for individuals sensitive to light.

• Durable substrates like vinyl or synthetic papers help ensure outdoor signs or public displays remain legible over time.

• Contrasting materials can add tactile differentiation, making sections easier to identify.

At Schiele Group, our team helps clients select materials that not only look great but also perform in diverse environments — indoors or out, glossy or glare-free.

Accessibility in Large-Format and Environmental Graphics

When it comes to banners, wayfinding, or wall graphics, accessibility takes on a new scale.

• Font size and contrast become even more critical. Ensure copy remains legible from a distance.

• Placement matters. Signage should be installed at an accessible height for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.

• Lighting is essential. Poor lighting can undermine otherwise perfect design choices.

  
  

Schiele Group’s large-format team uses precision color calibration and layout design to ensure every display — from trade show graphics to retail signage — is both visually stunning and accessible.

How Schiele Group Champions Inclusive Print Design

At Schiele Group, accessibility isn’t an afterthought — it’s part of our creative DNA. Our designers and print specialists work collaboratively with clients to ensure every project is inclusive, impactful, and easy to understand.

Whether we’re producing wayfinding signage, marketing collateral, or packaging, we focus on:

• Readable typography and high-contrast design

• Thoughtful layout and hierarchy

• Material choices that enhance usability

• Tactile finishes and specialty applications

By combining design expertise with state-of-the-art printing technology, Schiele Group helps brands communicate clearly and inclusively — one print piece at a time.

Final Thoughts: Inclusive Print is Smart Print

Accessibility in print is more than a compliance issue — it’s a reflection of your brand’s values. When you design with inclusivity in mind, you’re not just expanding your reach — you’re building stronger, more meaningful connections with every audience.

Whether you’re designing marketing materials, event signage, or packaging, Schiele Group is here to help you print smarter, with accessibility and impact in every detail.