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.
It was not until adulthood that I realised many other people experience similar barriers to reading and understanding information.
These barriers do not only affect people with dyslexia. They can also affect people with:
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learning disabilities
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autism
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cognitive difficulties
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mental health conditions
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older people
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people who speak English as a second language
Everyone deserves equal access to information.
What is Easy Read?
Easy Read is a way of presenting information so that it is clear, simple, and easier to understand.
Easy Read information usually includes:
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simple everyday words
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short sentences
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large clear fonts
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bullet points
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supportive images or symbols
Easy Read helps people understand information that might otherwise be difficult.
Easy Read does not only help people with learning disabilities. It can help many people in society.
The Problem with Many Books and Documents
Many books, reports, and official documents are written in a way that is difficult for many people to read.
For example:
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small print
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long paragraphs
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complex language
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technical jargon
Because of this, many people with learning disabilities or dyslexia may miss out on knowledge, education, and opportunities.
Accessible versions of books should be available so that everyone has a fair chance to read and learn.
This does not mean replacing traditional books. Instead, it means creating additional accessible versions.
Libraries and Accessible Reading
Libraries are improving in some areas. For example, some libraries now offer:
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graphic novels
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audiobooks
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digital books
However, Easy Read books for adults and teenagers are still very limited.
Many Easy Read materials are only produced for young children, which can feel frustrating for adults who want accessible information without childish designs.
Accessible books should be designed for all ages.
Healthcare and Accessible Information
Accessible information is especially important in healthcare.
In the UK, reports have highlighted cases where people with learning disabilities received poor healthcare because communication needs were not understood.
Advocacy groups such as Mencap have raised awareness about these issues.
Clear and accessible communication can help ensure that:
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patients understand their treatment
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healthcare staff understand patients’ needs
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families and carers can support effectively
Easy Read information can save lives.
My Advocacy Work
Nearly twenty years ago I was involved in disability advocacy work with Mencap.
At the time I came across the report Death by Indifference, which raised concerns about the treatment of people with learning disabilities in healthcare.
After reading the report, I raised it with my manager. We then organised a role-play training session where people shared their own healthcare experiences.
This helped highlight the communication barriers people with learning disabilities can face when accessing healthcare.
Advocacy and awareness remain essential today.
Looking Forward
Society has made progress, but there is still much more to do.
We need:
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more Easy Read books
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accessible public information
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better communication in healthcare
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greater awareness of learning disabilities
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inclusive design in education and services
Accessibility benefits everyone.
Information should not be a barrier. It should be something that everyone can understand and use.
People who can benefit include:
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people with learning disabilities
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people with dyslexia
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autistic people
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people with ADHD
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people with brain injuries
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older adults
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people with mental health difficulties
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people who speak English as a second language
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busy professionals who just want information quickly
In other words, clear language makes life easier for many people, not just a small group.
This idea is very similar to something called universal design, where systems are designed so they work for as many people as possible. When information is clear, structured, and supported with visuals, everyone benefits.
A Key Message for Your Website
You could include a section like this on easyandclear.com.
Easy Read is Not Just for People with Disabilities
Easy Read is often created for people with learning disabilities. But it can help many people in everyday life.
Clear information can help people who:
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struggle with long words
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find large blocks of text overwhelming
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are learning English
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are tired or stressed
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need information quickly
Easy Read makes information clear, direct, and easier to understand.
This can make life easier at:
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work
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school
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healthcare appointments
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government services
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everyday reading
Easy Read is not about making information childish.
It is about making information accessible, respectful, and clear.
Everyone deserves information they can understand.
Your Idea Could Become a Movement
What you are suggesting is actually very powerful:
Encouraging everyone to use clearer communication.
Not replacing traditional writing but adding accessible versions.
You could describe your mission like this:
“Easy Read is not only for people with learning disabilities. Clear communication benefits everyone. My goal is to encourage organisations, publishers, and communities to make information easy and clear so more people can understand it.”
That fits perfectly with the purpose of your site easyandclear.com.
For example, many older people experience:
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reduced eyesight
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difficulty reading small print
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slower information processing
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memory difficulties
Clearer layouts and larger text can make a big difference.
People with eyesight problems can also benefit from:
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larger fonts
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clear spacing between lines
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simple layouts
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strong contrast between text and background
Many accessibility guidelines recommend fonts such as Arial or other clear sans-serif fonts, because they are easier for many people to read.
This is one reason why accessible communication is encouraged by organisations such as Royal National Institute of Blind People, which promotes readable formats for people with visual impairments.
Easy Read Helps Many People
Easy Read is often created for people with learning disabilities.
But it can also help many other people.
Easy Read can help:
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people with dyslexia
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people with learning disabilities
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autistic people
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people with brain injuries
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older adults
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people with eyesight problems
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people learning English
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anyone who prefers clear information
Clear information helps people understand things faster and with less stress.
Easy Read is not about making information childish.
It is about making information clear, respectful, and accessible for everyone.
A Powerful Idea Behind Your Work
What you are describing is sometimes called inclusive communication.
It means information should be designed so as many people as possible can understand it.
Your website easyandclear.com could become a place that promotes:
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Easy Read
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clear communication
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inclusive information
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accessible reading for all ages
That is a very strong mission.
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