Easy Read: A Brief History (Summary)

 

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📍 What is Easy Read?

 

Easy Read is a way of writing information, so it is easier to understand.

It usually uses:

 

Simple words

Short sentences

Pictures or symbols

 

It is mainly used to support people with learning disabilities, but also helps many others (e.g. people with low literacy or English as a second language).

 

🕰️ Where did Easy Read start?

Late 1980s – early 1990s (UK)

People with learning disabilities worked together to make information easier to understand.

They noticed most information was too complex and inaccessible.

This led to the creation of Easy Read.

 

👉 Important point:

Easy Read was not invented by professionals first — it came from people with lived experience.

 

📈 Growth in the 2000s

Easy Read became more widely used.

It supported:

Independence

Decision-making

Access to services

More organisations started to see its value.

⚖️ Legal changes (UK)

1. Equality Act 2010

Requires organisations to make reasonable adjustments

Easy Read is one way to do this

Helps disabled people access information equally

2. Accessible Information Standard

Applies to health and care services

Requires information in accessible formats (including Easy Read)

Aims to reduce health inequalities

🌍 International use

Easy Read is now used worldwide

Different countries use similar formats:

“Easy-to-read”

“Easy English” (very short sentences)