Ascension introduces Catholic Bible for readers with dyslexia
First Catholic Bible to feature the Grace typeface and design principles developed specifically for accessible reading.
EXTON, Pa. — Today, Ascension introduced the Catholic Reading Bible: Dyslexia-Friendly Edition, the first complete Catholic Bible to feature the Grace typeface and its associated design principles. The new edition is designed to offer an accessible reading experience for people with dyslexia and other reading difficulties.
Ascension’s announcement coincides with International Dyslexia Day, observed annually on October 8 to raise awareness of dyslexia and support those affected by it. According to the Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity, dyslexia affects 20 percent of the population and represents 80–90 percent of all learning disabilities.
The Grace typeface and its associated design principles were developed specifically for accessible reading by internationally renowned Bible design firm 2K/DENMARK, informed by research, testing with dyslexic readers, and work involving the University of Cambridge.
The Grace typeface uses added weight near the base of letters to help visually anchor them to the line and distinctive details to make similar letterforms easier to differentiate. The Grace design principles incorporate shorter lines of no more than 35 characters, longer paragraphs divided into smaller text blocks, ragged-right alignment to maintain more consistent word spacing, generous 11-point type, and other features intended to make sustained reading easier to navigate.
“This project continues Ascension’s efforts to help people engage with Scripture, especially those who may have struggled to read the Bible in the past,” said Jonathan Strate, President and CEO of Ascension. “The Church has long emphasized the importance of making Scripture accessible to the faithful. Dei Verbum teaches that ‘Easy access to Sacred Scripture should be provided for all the Christian faithful.’ We developed this Bible in that spirit, with the hope that it will help more people encounter Scripture in a way that may previously have been difficult for them.”
Although designed especially for readers with dyslexia, the Catholic Reading Bible: Dyslexia-Friendly Edition may also benefit people with other reading difficulties, as well as anyone who prefers an exceptionally clear and accessible Bible layout.
For readers who experience visual stress while reading, such as eyestrain, glare, or visual distortions, the Bible also includes nine colored reading overlays and one gray overlay stored in a pocket at the back of the Bible. Because color preferences vary, readers can determine whether any of the overlays make the page more comfortable for them to read.
The Catholic Reading Bible: Dyslexia-Friendly Edition contains the complete text of the Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition (RSV-2CE). The RSV-2CE is valued for its close adherence to the original-language biblical texts and its formal literary style and is also the translation used in Ascension’s bestselling Great Adventure Catholic Bible and The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)™ podcast.
The Catholic Reading Bible: Dyslexia-Friendly Edition is available from Ascension for $45.00 and includes a brown leatherlike cover with Smyth-sewn binding, three ribbon markers, nine colored overlays, one gray overlay, and a built-in storage pocket for the overlays.
###
About Ascension
One of the most trusted publishers of Catholic books and digital media today, Ascension has helped nurture the faith of more than 20 million people with bestselling Bibles, faith formation programs, and award-winning resources including “The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)” podcast.
Media Contact
For media inquiries, please contact Newsroom@AscensionPress.com.
###
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Religion News Association
