February is Low Vision Awareness Month

Low vision is a visual impairment that cannot be corrected fully with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery, and it affects how people read, navigate spaces, and access information.

This month highlights the importance of accessibility for people with low vision. Entities are required to provide effective communication, which means ensuring people with disabilities, including those with low vision, can access information in formats they can understand. This can include making available alternative formats like large print and using clear designs with readable fonts.

Providing these inclusive resources supports independence, equal access, and greater participation in daily life.

How You Can Support

To support individuals with low vision, government entities, organizations, educators, and communities are encouraged to:

• Use high-contrast colors, large and sans serif fonts, and clear layouts in documents, websites, and signage.
• Provide accessible digital content that is screen-reader compatible and descriptive text for images.
• Ensure assistive technology is available and supported, from magnifiers to screen readers and wearable devices when needed.

For more information, visit the National Eye Institute