First-Ever Dyslexia-Friendly Bible Unveiled
Lifeway Christian Resources has introduced a new Bible specifically designed for children with dyslexia, called the CSB Grace Bible for Kids. Targeted at children aged 7 to 12, the goal of this Bible is to make scripture more accessible and easier to read for kids who face visual stress while reading. Lifeway President Ben Mandrell emphasized that dyslexia shouldn’t prevent children from engaging with the Bible, explaining that the new version helps young readers connect with God in a personal way through His Word.
The Bible features a custom typeface and layout created by 2K/DENMARK in partnership with Cambridge University’s research department. This design focuses on increasing readability by adding extra spacing between letters, words, and lines, and creating distinct letter shapes to reduce confusion between similar letters like “m” and “n” or “p” and “q.” According to Klaus Krogh, founder of 2K/DENMARK, the Grace typeface is designed to ensure letters stay anchored to the baseline, helping prevent the “bouncing” effect that dyslexic readers often experience.
The development of the Grace typeface took five years, with extensive testing and adjustments carried out by Cambridge University. In addition to the unique typeface, the Bible includes colored page overlays that help improve visual processing, further reducing visual stress for readers. Lifeway has also announced that a version of the Grace Bible for teens and adults is expected to be released in February 2025.
In addition to the typeface enhancements, the CSB Grace Bible for Kids includes various study tools designed to help children deepen their understanding of the Bible. These features provide guidance on how to read scripture and develop spiritual disciplines, with the aim of increasing biblical literacy and fostering a stronger connection with God. Andy McLean, publisher for Holman Bibles, expressed that these additional resources are intended to help children grow in their faith by building foundational skills for engaging with the Bible.
Mandrell also shared his excitement about the potential impact of this new Bible, stating that Lifeway’s mission is to help young readers engage with scripture and learn more about God. He expressed optimism about the positive feedback and reception of the Grace Bible for Kids, noting the importance of making scripture accessible to all children. The Bible uses the Christian Standard Bible translation, known for its balance between accuracy and readability, making it a suitable resource for children to study and memorize.
According to the International Dyslexia Association, around 15% to 20% of the population has a language-based learning disability, with many students in special education programs struggling with reading. Lifeway’s new Bible aims to provide these children with the opportunity to engage with scripture in a way that is both accessible and meaningful.