Easy Read

Is your information presented in a way that is easy to understand?

Why it’s important

  • Fetu is not fluent in English. Easy Read helps Fetu to understand important information.
  • Brendon is the Chief Executive of a large business. Brendon has limited time to read complex business documents. He needs to grasp key information quickly for a client request.
  • Ananya has a learning disability. Ananya finds the structure of Easy Read helps to process information.

Easy Read refers to the presentation of information in an accessible, easy to understand format. It is often useful for people with learning disabilities. It may also benefit people with conditions that affect how they process information.

Easy Read materials are often longer than non-easy read materials due to how they are formatted.

When converting a report into an Easy Read format shorten the text into an executive summary. Only keep the key elements that people need to know to avoid producing an unmanageable document.

Think about the audience – who are you writing this Easy Read information for.

Next steps

  1. Check that text is broken down into short sentences and justified to the left. Use wide spaces so the information is clear.
  2. Images should be selected to represent each sentence of text where possible.
  3. Align images on the left hand side of the page, with text aligned to the right side of the writing.
  4. Simplify language wherever possible. Any necessary complicated words or terms should be explained.
  5. Present text on A4 pages where possible, as A5 or smaller are not as accessible.
  6. Number the pages at the bottom right hand side.
  7. Avoid fancy fonts and italics. Use a clear font like Arial or Verdana.
  8. Use numbers not the words for numbers: 8 not eight
  9. Keep design elements to a minimum to stop them detracting from the information. 4-5 pictures to a page is the maximum.

References

Resources

World Content Accessibility Guidelines

Last modified: