Chapter 1 What Is Easy Read?

 

Easy Read is a way of writing information, so it is clear and easy to understand.

It is designed to help people who may find reading difficult.

Easy Read is often used for people with:

• Learning disabilities
• Dyslexia
• Autism
• ADHD
• Mental health difficulties
• Low literacy
• People learning English as another language
• Elderly people
• People with eyesight problems

Easy Read helps make information fair and accessible for everyone.

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The History of Easy Read

Easy Read started in the 1980s in Sweden.

It was created by disability organizations and self-advocacy groups who wanted information to be easier to understand.

Later the idea spread across Europe.

Governments, libraries, and disability charities started producing Easy Read documents to make information more accessible.

In the United Kingdom, Easy Read became more widely recognised when the government published Valuing People.

This document supported the rights of people with learning disabilities and encouraged the use of accessible information.

Organisations such as Mencap helped develop many Easy Read resources to support people in everyday life.

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What Easy Read Looks Like

Easy Read uses a different style from traditional books or documents.

It usually includes:

Short sentences
Information is broken into small pieces.

Simple words
Difficult or technical language is avoided.

Large text
Text is often bigger than in normal books.

Clear fonts
Fonts such as Arial or Calibri are often used.

Pictures or symbols
Images help explain the meaning of the text.

Clear layout
Text and pictures are spaced out so the page is not crowded.

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Why Easy Read Is Important

Many people struggle with long or complicated text.

When information is difficult to understand, people may:

• Feel confused
• Feel embarrassed
• Avoid reading
• Miss important information

Easy Read helps remove these barriers.

It allows people to:

• Understand information more easily
• Make their own choices
• Ask questions
• Feel more confident

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Easy Read Is Not Only for People with Disabilities

Easy Read can help many different people.

For example:

• Someone who is tired or stressed
• Someone learning English
• Someone reading about a complicated topic
• Someone who prefers clear and simple information

Easy Read can make life easier for everyone.

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Easy Read and Independence

When information is accessible, people are more independent.

They can:

• Understand health information
• Manage money
• Apply for jobs
• Study new subjects
• Take part in their communities

Accessible information gives people more control over their own lives.

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Easy Read Is About Choice

Easy Read does not replace traditional books or writing styles.

Many people enjoy traditional writing.

Instead, Easy Read gives people another option.

For example, a story could be available as:

• A traditional book
• An Easy Read version
• A graphic novel

This allows more people to enjoy reading.