Chapter 7 Raising Awareness and Advocacy

 

Easy Read is powerful, but it works best when more people know about it.

Raising awareness and advocating for accessible information helps everyone.

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Why Awareness Matters

Many organisations, schools, and services do not know about Easy Read.

Staff in healthcare, libraries, and community centres may not understand how to make information clear.

Without awareness, people who struggle with reading may miss out on important information.

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Libraries and Bookstores

Libraries and bookstores can:

Offer more Easy Read books

Include graphic novels or comic-style layouts for accessibility

Train staff to help people find Easy Read materials

Work with advocates to make reading more inclusive

From my experience:

I ran training sessions at Wolverhampton Libraries.

Staff learned how to create and share Easy Read materials.

Feedback showed that people felt more confident and included.

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Schools, Colleges, and Universities

Education providers can:

Include Easy Read textbooks and guides

Make instructions and exams more accessible

Train teachers to use clear, simple language

Support students with dyslexia or learning disabilities

Accessible materials help students learn, gain qualifications, and participate fully.

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Healthcare and Services

Healthcare staff can:

Use Easy Read forms and guides

Explain information in plain English with pictures

Allow longer appointments if needed

Respect people’s choices and encourage independence

Easy Read ensures patients understand and feel safe.

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Publishers and Writers

Publishers can create Easy Read versions of classic and new books

Writers can consider clear, simple language for accessibility

Graphic novels and illustrated guides are fun and helpful for all ages

Easy Read does not replace traditional materials. It gives people a choice.

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Websites and Online Advocacy

Websites can use Easy Read principles:

Simple words and short sentences

Clear headings

Pictures and icons for support

Accessible PDFs and forms

Online platforms can reach more people quickly and provide essential information.

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Personal Advocacy

Share knowledge about Easy Read with friends, family, and colleagues

Show examples of how it helps in real life

Write articles, blogs, or newsletters to raise awareness

Speak to libraries, schools, publishers, and healthcare providers

From my experience:

Sharing Easy Read knowledge in the UK helped libraries and community services improve accessibility.

With persistence, advocacy can change how people provide information.

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Benefits of Advocacy

People feel included and respected

Information becomes clear and easy to understand

Communities become more supportive and accessible

More people gain confidence, independence, and opportunities