Summary
- Kindle includes OpenDyslexic, a bottom-weighted font that eases reading for dyslexia.
- Turn it on in a book: tap top, Aa → Font → Font Family → OpenDyslexic.
- Accessibility matters — small font tweaks can open reading to more people.
Why do millions of people open books every day? To learn, to grow, to be entertained, or — if you’re like me — to escape from reality for a few hours at a time. I’ve been reading since, well, I could read, and I’m always faster to pick up a good novel than I am to flip on the TV at night. To each their own when it comes to after-work vices, but words on a page have captured my heart and soul.
But for many readers, the experience can come with added challenges. Dyslexia, a language-based learning difference, affects an estimated 15-20% of the population. It can involve difficulties with reading, spelling, word recognition, or processing text, and more, which can all make the act of sitting down with a good book much more demanding.
Accessibility tools make a huge difference. If you’re a Kindle user, I have great news — your e-reader includes a font option specifically designed to help you focus. It’s a clever and thoughtful typeface that grounds your eyes on the digital page and makes reading much more approachable for dyslexic readers. Let me tell you about OpenDyslexic, and how to enable it on your Kindle e-reader.
What is the OpenDyslexic typeface?
And why it matters
OpenDyslexic is an open-source font designed to make letters more distinct and reduce some of the common challenges dyslexic readers may face, such as letters flipping or rotating on the page. Each character is weighted at the bottom and subtly spaced out more, which gives letters like b, d, p, and q more unique distinctions. The bottom-heavy design also helps anchor your eyes, which can make whatever text you’re reading much easier to process.
While OpenDyslexic was originally created with dyslexic readers in mind, anyone can use it. In fact, some readers without dyslexia actually prefer the font to others because it helps them read faster. That said, reading preferences are incredibly personal, so it’s worth noting that what works for you might not work well for another reader. The best way to know is to try out yourself, which I’ll explain how to below.
How to enable OpenDyslexic on your Kindle e-reader
OpenDyslexic is hiding with a variety of other fonts in your Kindle’s settings, which you can access right from the book you’re currently reading. Here’s a guide through the different menus:
- Tap the top of the page on your current read.
- Tap the Aa in the menu banner.
- Select the Font tab.
- Under Font Family, tap the arrow on the far right.
- Among the selectable fonts, choose OpenDyslexic.
- Exit out, and your book should convert to the new font.
OpenDyslexic needs more attention
Accessibility shouldn’t be treated like an afterthought
Amazon doesn’t advertise this feature as much as it should. All accessibility features deserve more visibility, especially ones that aim to reduce barriers between dyslexic readers and a reading device. After all, Kindles are made for readers, and they provide a fully customizable experience — one that helps make sure that everyone (including dyslexic readers) can participate.
Sure, it might be a small setting, but it can create a huge impact on someone’s reading experience. It isn’t a flashy feature (or one that resonates with every reader’s preferences) but accessibility features like this open doors.
