Chapter 3 Barriers to Reading and Information

 

Even though reading is very important, many people face barriers that make it difficult.

Some barriers come from books, education, and other information sources. Others come from how services and systems share information.

This chapter explains these challenges, using real-life experiences.

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Small Print and Hard Words

Many books and documents use:

Small print

Long paragraphs

Complicated words

For people with dyslexia or learning difficulties, this can make reading very hard.

From my own experience:

As a child and teenager, I struggled to read most books.

Many books were too hard, so I thought I was alone.

It was only in my adult years that I realised many people had the same problem.

Books are often written for adults or older students, but without considering accessibility. This leaves some people behind.

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Library Experiences

Libraries are important for reading and learning.

However, many libraries have:

Books that are mostly for adults

Small print editions

Limited Easy Read options

For example:

In the UK, I rarely found Easy Read books except for very young children.

In the USA, some libraries, like Ridgefield Library, offer graphic novels, but Easy Read books are still rare.

This means that people who struggle to read may not get access to stories and information.

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Education Barriers

Education can be another challenge.

Many students with learning disabilities or dyslexia face:

Textbooks that are hard to understand

Teachers who may not know how to make materials accessible

Exams that are stressful without proper support

From my experience:

Some early computer textbooks, such as WordPerfect, were very difficult to understand.

I struggled with small print, complex instructions, and long paragraphs.

Many people like me could be left behind if they do not get support.

Even with support, funding issues in schools or colleges can make it harder to access accessible materials.

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Healthcare Information

Healthcare can be another barrier.

People with learning disabilities, dyslexia, or mental health difficulties often need to understand:

Appointment instructions

Hospital forms

Medication guides

Barriers include:

Complicated words

Long forms

Short appointment times

From my experience at Mencap:

Many people with learning disabilities felt anxious about hospital or GP visits.

Easy Read guides were created to explain step by step:

Making an appointment

Checking in at reception

Waiting in the waiting room

Seeing the doctor or dentist

Simple language and pictures reduced stress and made people feel more confident.

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Work, Social Life, and Everyday Information

Barriers are not only about books or education.

People also struggle with:

Job applications

Benefits forms

Daily living guides

Social group instructions

For example, my experience with Easy Read training and advocacy showed that:

Volunteers in community centres can help by using Easy Read instructions.

Activity guides with pictures and clear steps make participation easier.

Without accessible information, people may feel excluded from work, education, and social life.

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The Emotional Impact

Barriers to reading can affect confidence, mental health, and independence.

People may feel:

Frustrated

Left out

Anxious

Unable to participate fully in life

Easy Read removes many of these barriers and helps people engage, learn, and enjoy life.

 

 

 

Easy Read: The History of Easy Read

What is Easy Read?

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

Easy Read helps people who may find long or complex information difficult.

This can include people with:

Learning disabilities

Autism

Dyslexia

Language barriers

Memory or concentration difficulties

Easy Read can help everyone understand information better.

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Where did Easy Read come from?

Easy Read started in Sweden in the 1980s Why Easy Read and Accessible Information Matters

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My Journey with Easy Read and Disability Advocacy

For many years growing up with dyslexia, I believed I was alone. Books were often printed in very small text with complex language, and I struggled to understand them.