Website / Report Version – Detailed

 

Title: Making Reading Accessible for Everyone

Content:

Many people enjoy reading, but for some, books can feel overwhelming before they even start. Long sentences, dense paragraphs, and complex words can make readers give up quickly. This happens to children, teenagers, adults, older adults, people learning English, and people with dyslexia, learning disabilities, or attention difficulties.

Easy Read and accessible formats help readers by using:

• Short sentences
• Clear spacing
• Larger fonts
• Pictures or symbols to support understanding
• Structured chapters

This allows people to follow stories, finish books, and gain confidence in reading.

Classic stories, like Charles Dickens or Lewis Carroll, are often still hard to read because of their original language. Easy Read versions, graphic novels, or parallel editions (original + Easy Read) can help more people enjoy these stories.

U.S. organisations are also working in this area, using plain language, accessibility standards, and Easy Read–style materials. Examples include:

• YAI Network – Easy Read and inclusive training
• ASAN – One Idea Per Line Easy Read guides
• American Library Association – Accessible Communication Styles
• CDC and NIH – Plain Language guidelines

Libraries, writers, and publishers can help by offering Easy Read editions alongside traditional books. This is not about making things childish — it is about removing barriers and allowing more people to enjoy reading.

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2️⃣ Easy Read Version – Level 1

Title: Reading Should Be for Everyone

Content:

Some books are very hard to read. Sentences are long. Words are hard. Pages are full of writing. This can make people feel:

“I can’t read this.”

Easy Read books make reading easier. They use:

• Short sentences
• Bigger letters
• Clear spaces
• Pictures to help understanding

People can follow stories, finish books, and feel confident.

Even old stories, like Oliver Twist or Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, can be made Easy Read. This helps children, teenagers, adults, and older people.

Some organisations in the U.S. also help make information clear:

• YAI Network – Easy Read guides
• ASAN – Easy Read accessibility
• Libraries – Accessible communication
• CDC and NIH – Plain language guides

Easy Read is not for children only. It is for everyone who wants to read and understand.

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3️⃣ Short Article Version – For Magazines / Newspapers

Title: Easy Read Books Help Everyone

Many people want to read but give up because books are too hard. Long sentences, small print, and hard words can stop people from enjoying stories.

Easy Read books and layouts solve this problem. They use simple sentences, larger text, clear spacing, and pictures. Graphic novels or parallel editions of classic books like Oliver Twist help more people read from start to finish.

U.S. organisations such as YAI Network, ASAN, and federal agencies (CDC, NIH) promote clear and accessible communication. Libraries, publishers, and writers can help by creating Easy Read editions.

Easy Read is not childish — it is respectful and inclusive, giving everyone the chance to enjoy reading.

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4️⃣ Library / Publisher Proposal Version

Title: Why Libraries and Publishers Should Offer Easy Read Editions

Introduction:
Reading should be for everyone. Many books are difficult because of long sentences, complex vocabulary, and dense layouts. This affects children, adults, older people, and anyone with learning, reading, or processing difficulties.

Proposal:
We recommend that libraries and publishers provide:

1.             Easy Read editions – short sentences, large font, pictures

2.           Graphic novel adaptations – illustrated storytelling

3.           Parallel editions – original + Easy Read side by side

Benefits:

• Helps more people enjoy classic and modern stories
• Increases literacy and confidence
• Supports readers with dyslexia, learning disabilities, attention issues, older adults, and English learners
• Aligns with U.S. plain language and accessibility best practices (YAI, ASAN, CDC, NIH)

Conclusion:
Easy Read editions do not replace traditional books. They make reading accessible, enjoyable, and inclusive. Libraries and publishers can take a leadership role in making reading possible for everyone.

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5️⃣ Training / Workshop Version – Slides / Talking Points

Slide 1: Reading Should Be for Everyone

• Many books are hard to read
• Long sentences, dense text, hard words

Slide 2: Easy Read Helps

• Short sentences
• Larger text
• Clear spaces
• Pictures or symbols

Slide 3: Old and Classic Stories

• Oliver Twist, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
• Graphic novel or Easy Read versions
• Parallel editions

Slide 4: U.S. Resources

• YAI Network – Easy Read training
• ASAN – One Idea Per Line
• Libraries – Accessible communication styles
• CDC / NIH – Plain language guides

Slide 5: Why Libraries & Publishers Should Act

• More people enjoy books
• Builds confidence and literacy
• Inclusive for all ages and abilities

Slide 6: Take Action

• Offer Easy Read editions
• Create accessible graphic novels
• Include parallel editions
• Promote inclusive reading