In partnership with 2K/DENMARK and Cambridge University, Lifeway is publishing two new Bibles, the CSB Grace Bible for Kids and the CSB Grace Bible, with what is known as the “Grace typeface,” developed specifically for readers of all ages with dyslexia and other language-based reading challenges.
According to the International Dyslexia Association, roughly 15–20% of the population has a language-based learning disability. Of students with specific learning disabilities receiving special education services, 70–80% have deficits in reading. The Grace Bible seeks to help enhance readability for individuals who suffer from visual stress as they read.
Everyone deserves access to the Bible, especially one they can read with ease. The Grace Bibles are opening a brand-new door to do exactly that by removing some key obstacles for readers with varying levels of dyslexia and other reading challenges.
After years of research, development, and collaborative testing, the “Grace typeface” has defined and developed three main aspects that provide an improved reading experience for readers with dyslexia and related challenges: the typeface itself, the layout of the text, and color overlays.
The “Grace typeface” is intentionally mindful of providing more weight at the bottom of the font to relieve the illusion of letters floating. It also ensures similar-looking letters break at different points to help readers distinguish between them (think of lowercase b and d, for example).
The layout of the actual text on each page is also unique from standard book and Bible printing. Some of the layout features include limiting character styles like italics, caps, bolding, and so forth, holding character line lengths to a maximum amount, and text blocks and paragraphs being maxed out at a certain number of lines and all being left-aligned.
Lastly, Lifeway provides a set of page overlays in various colors with each Grace Bible. Unique to each reader, either one or multiple colors paired together helps enhance visual processing and reduce the “fuzzy” appearance that letters seem to have, keeping the text more in focus.
The CSB Grace Bible for Kids, similarly to many kids Bibles published by Lifeway, includes additional insert pages that offer tips and tools to further equip kids for their time in God’s Word. These features are intentionally added to steward biblical literacy skills and increase their confidence with reading Scripture, ultimately leading to a deeper relationship with God.
It cannot go without saying that part of what makes the Grace Bibles so special is the optimally readable and accurate text of the Christian Standard Bible (CSB). The translation’s quality continues to make readers young and old, new and seasoned, trust and understand God’s Word with ease.
For more information about the Grace Bibles, visit gracebibleforkids.com. For information about other resources for special needs ministry, visit lifeway.com/specialneeds.
