Formatting Standards
Formatting Standards
Students should provide as much specific information to the person(s) adapting documents so as to facilitate this process. It is good practice for the student to provide a cheat sheet or Formatting Standards that contain document specifications. These standards can be developed with the help of the TVI when the student is tested for font types, font sizes and contrast as part of their evaluation process. If the student has preferred devices, the TVI can also adjust the Formatting Standards so that the adaptations are optimized for those devices.
School teams may determine that the following individual or combination of individuals will be responsible for document adaptation: TVI, paraprofessionals, teachers, secretarial assistant, student workers, or outside vendors. Formatting Standards relay the same consistent information to all team members.
Samples of Formatting Standards:
Formatting Standards for a Low Vision Student
Formatting Standards for a Blind Student
Handling Unique Adaptations
Despite a student’s best efforts to standardize the adaptations needed for materials, there will always be unique situations that arise. It is good practice for a professional with strong visual judgment and knowledge of the student’s vision, usually the TVI, to flag these materials. The TVI may need to consult with teachers on the learning objective and/ or with the student on proposed adaptations. A good document adaptation process builds in time for unique adaptations so that the student’s materials can be accessible and ready to use in class.