📘 Easy Read: How to Make Information Accessible

 

Why Easy Read is Important

• Easy Read helps people with learning disabilities and mental health needs understand information.

• It uses symbols, simple words, and clear layouts.

• Without Easy Read, people may feel confused, left out, or unsafe.

• Easy Read makes sure everyone has equal rights to information.

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1. 🔤 Use Symbols

• Symbols are pictures that explain words.

• They help people see and remember what the text means.

Examples of Symbol Resources:

• 🧍 Change People – free Easy Read examples

• 🔤 Widgit Online – symbol library

• 🧠 Boardmaker – lots of pictures (paid)

• 🧷 Open Symbols – free pictures

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2. 🔎 Choose a Clear Font

• Use big and simple letters.
  ✅ Arial, Verdana, or Comic Sans
  ✅ Size 14–16 point or bigger
  ❌ Do not use curly or squiggly fonts

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3. 🧼 Leave Space Around Words

• Add white space so pages look clean.

• Keep one idea per line.

• Use bullet points and short paragraphs.

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4. 🖼️ Add Symbols Before or Above Text

• Put a symbol next to or above the sentence.

• Use the same picture for the same idea.
  📍 This helps people remember the meaning.

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5. 📄 Keep the Layout Simple

• One idea per section or page.

• Use bold, big headings.

• Avoid too many colours or decorations.

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🛠️ Making Easy Read in Word or Google Docs

Use a table with 2 columns:

🖼️ Symbol	📝 Text
🧠	I have learning difficulties and mental health problems.
📖	This book is important to me.

Save your file as a PDF so the layout does not change.

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✅ Important Reminder

• Always ask the person if they want Easy Read.

• Some people prefer:

  • 🎥 Videos

  • 🗣️ Spoken words

  • 📄 Plain text

• ✔ Always ask – ❌ Never guess.

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📝 Quiz Questions (Separate Page)

1. What is the purpose of Easy Read?

2. Name two symbol resources you can use for Easy Read.

3. Which fonts are best for Easy Read documents?

4. Why should you leave white space around words?

5. How should symbols be used in Easy Read?

6. Why is it important to ask people what format they prefer?

7. Give one example of a layout tool you can use to make Easy Read in Word or Google Docs.