Person Centred Care and Emergency Support

 

What this is about

This section is about:

• Person centred care

• Easy Read information

• Communication in health care

• Supporting people in emergencies

• Learning disability awareness

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Person centred care

Person centred care means:

• The person is at the centre

• The person is listened to

• The person makes choices

• Support fits the person

It means care is not “one size fits all”.

Care should change to meet the person’s needs.

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Why person centred care matters

Person centred care helps people to:

• Feel safe

• Feel respected

• Understand information

• Make choices

• Stay independent

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Easy Read information

Easy Read means:

• Short sentences

• Simple words

• Pictures or symbols

Easy Read helps people understand:

• Health information

• Emergency instructions

• Support plans

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Communication support

Good communication means:

• Speak clearly

• Use simple words

• Give time to respond

• Do not rush

• Check understanding

Some people may also need:

• Pictures

• Symbols

• Communication boards

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Choice and control

People should have:

• Choice about their care

• Control over decisions

• Information they can understand

This builds trust and confidence.

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Support planning

Person centred planning means:

• Planning with the person

• Not planning for the person

• Setting goals together

• Supporting independence

A plan should change when the person’s needs change.

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Respect and dignity

Dignity means:

• Treating people with respect

• Listening to what matters to them

• Not ignoring their voice

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Emergency and crisis support

In emergencies people may:

• Feel scared

• Feel confused

• Find it hard to speak

Support should be:

• Calm

• Clear

• Simple

• Safe

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Learning disability awareness

People with learning disabilities may:

• Need more time

• Need simple language

• Need support to understand information

This is normal and should be respected.

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Easy Read standards

Good Easy Read should:

• Use short sentences

• Avoid jargon

• Explain hard words

• Use clear layout

• Include pictures where helpful

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Key idea from disability organisations

Person centred care means:

• Listening to the person

• Respecting choices

• Supporting independence

• Using clear communication

It is about what matters to the person.

Disability Horizons provides Easy Read information and guidance about person centred care and disability rights.

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Final message

Good care means:

• Understanding the person

• Communicating clearly

• Supporting independence

• Respecting choices

Every person is different.

Support must match the person.

2. Symbol Layout Guide

Page design

• Words on the left
• Pictures on the right

Suggested pictures

Use simple images like:

• Ambulance
• Calm face
• Speech bubble
• Hand listening
• Heart (care)
• Quiet room
• Communication board

Writing style

• Short sentences
• One idea per line
• Step by step order

Example layout

Left:

• Speak slowly
• Use simple words
• Give time

Right:

• Speech bubble
• Clock
• Calm face

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3. PowerPoint Slides

Slide 1

Emergency Care and Accessibility

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Slide 2

What is important

• Clear communication
• Respect
• Safety
• Understanding

---

Slide 3

Person centred care

• Person is central
• Choices matter
• Dignity matters

---

Slide 4

Communication

• Simple words
• Calm voice
• No jargon
• Eye level

---

Slide 5

Easy Read and visuals

• Simple text
• Pictures
• Communication boards

---

Slide 6

Mental Health First Aid

• Spot distress
• Listen
• Support safely

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Slide 7

Crisis support

• De escalation
• Calm approach
• Safety first

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Slide 8

Physical and mental health

• Both matter
• Both need care

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Slide 9

Key message

• Respect
• Understanding
• Clear communication

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4. Workbook Activities

Activity 1

Tick the correct answers

Good communication includes:

• Simple words
• Medical jargon
• Calm voice
• Rushing

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Activity 2

Match the words

De escalation

• Helping someone calm down

Dignity

• Being treated with respect

Person centred care

• Support based on the person

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Activity 3

True or false

1. Everyone communicates the same way
2. Easy Read can help understanding
3. Respect is important in emergencies

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Activity 4

Think and write

• What helps you feel safe
• What helps you understand information
• What support do you need

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5. References

Mental Health First Aid
CDC Emergency Preparedness
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
Patient Provider Communication Tools

Dyspraxia Needs To Be Taken Seriously

 

About Me

My name is Sara Jane Gorman.

I work as a visiting lecturer at the University of Wolverhampton.

I teach student learning disability nurses.

I also worked in advocacy and learning disability training.

I worked with Mencap and other disability organisations.

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My Background

I was born in 1969.

I had a lack of oxygen to the brain at birth.

I grew up in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.

At that time, there was very little understanding of disability.

There was very little support.

I did not get a clear diagnosis when I was young.

My family saw I had difficulties.

But the conditions were not well known.

Now we understand more.

This is why early diagnosis is important.

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My Conditions

I live with:

• Autism

• Dyspraxia

• Dyslexia

• ADHD

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Epilepsy

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What Dyspraxia Means

Dyspraxia is a long term condition.

It is not an illness.

It is not a disease.

It affects movement and coordination.

It can also affect thinking and learning.

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Dyspraxia is Often Hidden

People with Dyspraxia can:

• Walk

• Talk

So people may think everything is fine.

But inside everyday life can be very hard.

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How Dyspraxia Affects Me

Dyspraxia can slow things down.

It does not stop life.

But it makes many things harder.

Some examples for me are:

• Tying shoelaces

• Doing zips

• Fast hand movements

• Daily tasks

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Daily Life Challenges

Dyspraxia can affect:

• Personal care

• Dressing

• Cooking

• Carrying things

It can also affect:

• Planning

• Memory

• Coordination

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Emotional Impact

Dyspraxia has affected my feelings.

It has caused:

• Anxiety

• Frustration

• Stress

• Low confidence at times

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Important Life Impact

Dyspraxia can affect big life choices.

For me it affected:

• Having children

• Physical ability to care for babies

This was very difficult and emotional.

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Important Message

Dyspraxia is different for everyone.

Not everyone has the same difficulties.

Some people need more support than others.

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Support

Support is very important.

But not everyone gets enough support.

This can be because of:

• Funding

• Services not being available

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My View

Dyspraxia needs to be taken seriously.

It is often misunderstood.

People need:

• Understanding

• Support

• Respect

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Strengths

Even with Dyspraxia, people can have strengths:

• Creativity

• Determination

• Strong memory in some areas

• Ability to keep trying

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Final Message

Dyspraxia is real.

It affects daily life.

People should not be judged.

People should be supported.

People should be believed.

What is Dyspraxia

 

Simple Explanation

Dyspraxia is a disability.

It affects how the brain and body work together.

This means it can be hard to:

• Move

• Balance

• Plan

• Do everyday tasks

Another name for Dyspraxia is Developmental Coordination Disorder.

This means:

• The body finds it hard to coordinate movements

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Important Message

Dyspraxia is often misunderstood.

People may think:

• The person is careless

• The person is not trying

This is not true.

People with Dyspraxia:

• Are trying their best

• May need more time

• May need support

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Dyspraxia is a Hidden Disability

A hidden disability means you can not always see it.

A person may:

• Walk

• Talk

But still need help.

Because of this:

• People may not understand

• People may expect too much

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How Dyspraxia Affects the Body

Dyspraxia affects:

• Movement

• Balance

• Coordination

This can make it hard to:

• Walk safely

• Climb stairs

• Hold things

• Use tools

Example:

• Opening a tin with a can opener

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How Dyspraxia Affects Learning

Dyspraxia can make it hard to:

• Read

• Write

• Concentrate

• Remember things

This is similar to Dyslexia.

Dyslexia means difficulty with reading and writing.

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Early Signs

Some babies and children may:

• Be slow to roll over

• Be slow to sit or walk

• Find balance hard

• Be slow to talk

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Everyday Difficulties

Some people may find it hard to:

Movement:

• Run

• Jump

• Skip

• Ride a bike

• Catch a ball

Daily tasks:

• Get dressed

• Tie shoelaces

• Use a knife and fork

• Brush teeth

• Wash hair

Home tasks:

• Cook

• Carry hot drinks

• Use a vacuum cleaner

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Thinking and Understanding

Some people may find it hard to:

• Understand instructions

• Follow conversations

• Learn new skills

• Do more than one thing at a time

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Feelings and Emotions

Dyspraxia can affect feelings.

Some people may:

• Feel frustrated

• Feel anxious

• Feel stressed

• Feel low in confidence

People may also:

• Get upset easily

• Get angry easily

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Sensory Differences

Some people may be sensitive to:

• Light

• Noise

• Touch

• Taste

Sensitive means something feels too strong or uncomfortable.

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Other Difficulties

Some people may have:

• Poor short term memory

• Trouble keeping things tidy

• Trouble planning tasks

• Trouble making friends

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Good and Bad Days

People with Dyspraxia may have:

• Good days

• Bad days

Example:

• A task may feel easy one day

• The same task may feel hard the next day

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Important Reminder

Not everyone is the same.

Some people may:

• Find some things easy

• Find other things hard

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Strengths

People with Dyspraxia also have strengths.

Some people may be:

• Creative

• Good at art or writing

• Kind and caring

• Determined

Some people:

• Do not give up

• Keep trying

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Causes of Dyspraxia

The exact cause is not always known.

It is linked to how the brain develops.

It is not the person’s fault.

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Types of Difficulties

Dyspraxia can affect different areas.

Movement:

• Body movement and balance

Speech:

• How a person talks and is understood

Understanding:

• How a person understands the world

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Living with Dyspraxia

Life can be harder.

But support can help.

Support may include:

• Extra time

• Clear instructions

• Practice

• Understanding from others

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Final Message

People with Dyspraxia:

• Are not lazy

• Are not careless

They may just do things differently.

With the right support:

• People can learn

• People can grow

• People can succeed

Easy Read Guidelines 2

 

What is Easy Read

Easy Read is a way of writing.

It helps people understand information.

It uses:

• Short words

• Short sentences

• Clear layout

• Pictures or symbols

Easy Read is for people who may find reading hard.

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Use Simple Words

Use plain English.

This means:

• Use everyday words

• Do not use jargon

Jargon means words that are hard to understand or used by experts.

If you must use a hard word:

• Explain what it means

Example:

• Accessible means easy to understand and use

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Keep Sentences Short

Write short sentences.

Use one idea in each sentence.

Use full stops.

Do not use:

• Long sentences

• Too many commas

• Other punctuation marks

---

Be Clear and Direct

Say exactly what the person needs to do.

Example:

• You must send your form today.

Do not add extra information that is not needed.

Make sure important information is clear.

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Use Lists

Use bullet points or numbers.

This makes information easier to follow.

Example:

Shopping list:

• Eggs

• Bacon

• Beans

Steps:

1. Open the letter.

2. Read the first page.

3. Send the form.

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Use Active Sentences

Use active words.

Example:

• John loves Mary.

Do not say:

• Mary is loved by John.

---

Do Not Use Short Forms

Write full words.

Example:

• Do not

Do not write:

• Do not use words like do not shortened

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Use Numbers

Write numbers as numbers.

Example:

• 22

Do not write:

• twenty two

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Make Text Easy to Read

Use:

• Large print size 12 or more

• Clear font

• Good spacing

Do not crowd the page.

Leave space between lines and words.

---

Use Pictures and Symbols

Pictures can help people understand.

You can use:

• Photos

• Pictures

• Symbols

Put:

• Words on the left

• Pictures on the right

Make sure pictures are:

• Clear

• Not childish for adults

Ask the person what pictures they like.

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Be Careful With Symbols

Do not use too many symbols.

Some people may not understand them.

Use simple pictures instead.

---

Different Ways to Share Information

Some people may prefer:

• Writing

• Audio

• Video

Always ask what works best.

---

Emails and Digital Information

Emails can lose their layout.

This can make them hard to read.

Try to:

• Save the format

• Check it still looks clear

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Know Your Audience

Everyone is different.

Ask:

• What helps them understand

• What they prefer

Include people in the process.

Ask for their ideas.

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Final Message

Accessible information is important.

It helps people:

• Understand

• Make choices

• Stay safe

Good Easy Read:

• Is clear

• Is simple

• Puts the person first

Easy Read Guidelines

 

Introduction

Accessible information is very important.

People with disabilities and health conditions need information that is:

• Easy to read

• Easy to understand

• Clear and direct

Many people do not get enough support.
Some people have no support at all.

This can make everyday things harder, such as:

• Reading letters about benefits

• Understanding bills

• Knowing what actions to take

• Understanding important deadlines

If information is not accessible, people may:

• Feel confused

• Feel frustrated

• Miss important tasks

• Not understand what is expected

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Why Easy Read Matters

Easy Read helps make information:

• Simple

• Clear

• Accessible

Without Easy Read:

• Print may be too small

• Words may be too long or complex

• Too much information may be given at once

This can make important information very difficult to understand.

For example:

• A bill may need to be paid

• A form may need to be sent by a certain date

If a person does not understand this, it can cause serious problems.

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Important Points About Accessibility

Not everyone learns or understands information in the same way.

It is important to:

• Ask people what works best for them

• Ask what they find accessible

• Respect individual needs

Be honest if you cannot provide something.
Always explain information clearly if someone does not understand.

If a person has support with them:

• Speak to the person directly

• But also allow their supporter to help explain

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Making Information Clear

Information should be:

• Short

• Direct

• Easy to follow

For example:

• “You must post your benefit form tomorrow.”

Use:

• Bullet points

• Step-by-step instructions

• Numbers (1, 2, 3)

• Letters (A, B, C)

This helps people who:

• Have memory difficulties

• Find it hard to process lots of information

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Teaching and Learning

Teaching should also be accessible.

Use:

• Simple words

• Short sentences

• Pictures or symbols

Learning is not always easy for anyone.
However, it can be much harder for people with:

• Disabilities

• Health conditions

This can affect:

• Memory

• Understanding

• Processing information

• Learning speed

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Final Message

How information is presented makes a big difference.

Good accessible information can:

• Help people understand

• Help people make decisions

• Support independence

Always think about:

• How the information looks

• How it is written

• How easy it is to understand

Accessible information helps everyone.

What Is Easy Read and What Is Not Easy Read?

 

What Is Easy Read?

Easy Read is a way of communicating information so that it is easier to understand.

Easy Read is:

• A form of communication

• Written in plain English

• Made up of short, clear sentences

• Supported by pictures or symbols

• Written in large, clear print

• Well spaced with simple layout

• Focused on one idea at a time

Easy Read helps people understand information more easily and make their own decisions.

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What Is NOT Easy Read?

Easy Read is not:

• Long, complicated sentences

• Small or crowded text

• Lots of information all at once

• Words that are difficult to understand

• Text with no pictures or support

• Messy or confusing layouts

• Words “jumping all over the page”

Easy Read should feel calm, clear, and easy to follow.

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What Is Plain English?

Plain English means using simple, everyday words that most people understand.

For example:

• Use “help” instead of “assistance”

• Use “doctor” instead of “medical practitioner”

• Use “start” instead of “commence”

Plain English makes information quicker and easier to read.

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What Is Jargon?

Jargon is language that is used by professionals or specific groups, but may be confusing to others.

Jargon is:

• Technical or specialist language

• Words that are not used in everyday conversation

• Often difficult to understand without explanation

For example:

• “Cognitive impairment” instead of “difficulty thinking”

• “Reasonable adjustments” instead of “changes to help you”

• “Service user” instead of “person”

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What Is NOT Jargon?

Not all longer words are jargon.

A word is not jargon if:

• It is commonly used in everyday life

• Most people understand it

• It does not need explaining

For example:

• “Hospital”

• “Teacher”

• “Family”

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Why This Matters

When we avoid jargon and use Easy Read:

• More people can understand information

• People feel more confident

• People can make their own choices

• Information becomes more inclusive

Easy Read is about respect, inclusion, and understanding.

What Is Easy Read?

 

Easy Read is a way of presenting information so that it is easier to understand. It is designed mainly for people with learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, autism, brain injuries, dementia, communication difficulties, or anyone who finds standard written information difficult to read.

Easy Read uses:

• Simple everyday words
• Short sentences
• Large clear text
• Pictures or symbols to support meaning
• Plenty of space on the page
• Clear headings and sections

The aim of Easy Read is to help people understand information independently and make informed choices about their lives.

Easy Read can help people:

• Understand their rights
• Make decisions about healthcare
• Access education and employment
• Take part in their communities
• Understand forms, letters, and reports
• Feel more included in society

When information is accessible, people are better able to take control of their own lives and participate in decisions that affect them.

Key Features of Easy Read

Simple Language

Easy Read avoids jargon, technical language, and complicated words whenever possible.

If a difficult word must be used, it should be explained clearly.

Short Sentences

Each sentence should usually contain only one main idea.

Many Easy Read guidelines recommend keeping sentences to around 10–15 words where possible.

Clear Layout

Easy Read documents should:

• Use large fonts
• Have good colour contrast
• Include plenty of white space
• Use clear headings and subheadings
• Avoid cluttered pages

A clean layout makes information easier to follow.

Pictures and Symbols

Pictures help explain the meaning of the text.

These may include:

• Photographs
• Drawings
• Symbols
• Illustrations

Pictures should support the words rather than replace them.

Why Is Easy Read Important?

Many people struggle to understand complex written information.

Without accessible information, people may:

• Miss important appointments
• Not understand their healthcare
• Be unaware of their rights
• Find forms difficult to complete
• Feel excluded from decisions

Easy Read helps reduce these barriers and promotes equality, independence, and inclusion.

Easy Read and the Law

In the United Kingdom, accessible information is supported by laws and guidance including:

• The Equality Act 2010
• The Accessible Information Standard
• The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

These frameworks encourage organizations to provide information in formats that disabled people can understand.

Is There an American Version of Easy Read?

Yes, although the name "Easy Read" is used less often in the United States.

American organizations are more likely to use terms such as:

• Plain Language
• Plain English
• Accessible Information
• Easy-to-Understand Materials
• Health Literacy Materials
• Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Many U.S. government agencies follow the principles of the Plain Writing Act of 2010, which requires federal agencies to communicate clearly with the public.

In practice, many American accessible documents use the same principles as Easy Read:

• Simple language
• Short sentences
• Clear design
• Pictures and symbols when appropriate

The main difference is often the terminology rather than the approach itself.

Easy Read Is for Everyone

Although Easy Read was developed to support people with learning disabilities and intellectual disabilities, it can also benefit:

• Autistic people
• People with ADHD
• People with dyslexia
• People with brain injuries
• Older adults
• People learning English
• People experiencing stress, anxiety, or mental health difficulties

Clear information helps everyone understand important messages more easily.

Hospital Communication Books and AAC in Healthcare

 

What is a Hospital Communication Book?

A Hospital Communication Book is an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) resource used to help people communicate with healthcare professionals when speech is difficult or impossible.

These books contain pictures, symbols, words, letters, numbers, and simple phrases that allow patients to point to information and express their needs.

Hospital Communication Books are commonly used in:

• Hospitals
• Emergency departments
• Care homes
• Rehabilitation units
• Clinics
• Community healthcare services

The aim is to ensure that every person can participate in decisions about their healthcare, regardless of their communication ability.

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Who Can Benefit?

Hospital Communication Books may help:

People with Learning Disabilities

Some individuals may find spoken language difficult to understand or may struggle to explain symptoms.

Autistic People

Visual supports can reduce anxiety and improve understanding during medical appointments.

People with Speech Difficulties

This includes individuals with:

• Cerebral palsy
• Motor neurone disease
• Parkinson's disease
• Stroke
• Brain injury

Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing People

Pictures and written communication can support understanding.

People with Dementia

Visual cues may help people express needs and concerns.

People Who Do Not Speak English as Their First Language

Pictures can help bridge language barriers.

Patients Recovering from Surgery

People who temporarily cannot speak because of ventilation, tracheostomy, or surgery can use communication books to express their needs.

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What Information Is Included?

Most Hospital Communication Books contain pages covering:

Basic Needs

• Food
• Drink
• Toilet
• Washing
• Sleep
• Clothing

Pain and Symptoms

• Pain scales
• Body charts
• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Breathing difficulties

Feelings and Emotions

• Happy
• Sad
• Worried
• Angry
• Scared
• Confused

People

• Doctor
• Nurse
• Family members
• Friend
• Advocate

Medical Care

• Medication
• Blood tests
• X-rays
• Operations
• Therapy appointments

Communication Supports

• Alphabet pages
• Numbers
• Yes / No responses
• Common questions

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Why Are Communication Books Important?

Good communication improves healthcare.

Without effective communication, a patient may struggle to:

• Explain pain
• Describe symptoms
• Understand treatment
• Give informed consent
• Ask questions
• Report concerns

Communication books help reduce misunderstandings and support safer healthcare.

They also promote dignity, independence, and patient choice.

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Communication as a Human Right

Access to communication is not a luxury.

Every person has the right to:

• Be listened to
• Express their wishes
• Understand information
• Participate in decisions about their life and healthcare

Hospital Communication Books help make these rights a reality.

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Tips for Healthcare Professionals

When using a Hospital Communication Book:

✓ Give the person extra time to respond.

✓ Speak clearly and use simple language.

✓ Ask one question at a time.

✓ Point to pictures while talking.

✓ Check understanding regularly.

✓ Involve family members and advocates when appropriate.

✓ Remember that behaviour is often a form of communication.

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Easy Read Summary

A Hospital Communication Book helps people communicate in hospitals.

It uses:

• Pictures
• Symbols
• Words
• Letters
• Numbers

People can point to what they need.

Communication books can help people:

• Explain pain
• Ask for help
• Understand treatment
• Make choices

Everyone deserves to have a voice in their healthcare.

Useful Resources

The PDF you linked is available through the Assistive Technology Internet Modules project and contains a complete hospital communication book with picture-based pages covering people, symptoms, emotions, medical procedures, pain scales, and communication supports.

You can access it here:

The Hospital Communication Book (PDF)

Other healthcare organizations, including St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, have also produced hospital communication handbooks based on similar principles of accessible healthcare communication.

I can also create:

• An Easy Read version with symbol placeholders
• A US hospital communication book adaptation
• A chapter on AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)
• A PowerPoint training package for nurses and healthcare staff
• A communication passport section to go alongside this chapter.

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📘 Main Book Section (Professional + Accessible)

Disability Communication and Easy Read

What is Disability Communication?

Disability communication is the practice of sharing information in ways that include people with disabilities.

It means making sure information is:

• Clear
• Accessible
• Easy to understand
• Available in different formats

Disability communication supports people with:

• Learning disabilities
• Autism
• Sensory impairments (hearing or vision)
• Cognitive or neurological conditions
• Mental health conditions

The goal is to remove communication barriers so that everyone can understand information and express themselves.

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What is Easy Read?

Easy Read is a specific type of accessible communication.

It is designed to make information simple and easier to understand.

Easy Read uses:

• Short sentences
• Everyday words
• Pictures or symbols
• Clear layout

It is especially helpful for people with learning disabilities, but it can support many others.

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Who is Easy Read for?

Easy Read can help:

• People with learning disabilities
• Autistic people
• People with dyslexia
• People with brain injuries
• People with dementia
• People who speak English as a second language
• Anyone who finds long or complex text difficult

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Key Rules of Easy Read

1. Short Sentences

Each sentence should contain one idea only.

2. Simple Words

Use common, everyday language.

If a difficult word is needed:

• Explain it clearly
• Give an example if possible

3. Pictures and Symbols

Images should support the meaning of the text.

These may include:

• Photos
• Drawings
• Symbol systems (such as Widgit or PCS)

4. Clear Layout

• Large text (usually size 14 or bigger)
• Simple fonts (e.g. Arial, Calibri)
• Plenty of space between lines
• Bullet points instead of long paragraphs

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Why is Easy Read Important?

Many standard documents are too complex.

This can stop people from:

• Understanding important information
• Knowing their rights
• Making informed choices
• Accessing services

Easy Read helps to:

• Improve understanding
• Increase independence
• Support decision-making
• Promote inclusion

---

Communication is a Right

Everyone has the right to understand information and be understood.

Accessible communication is essential in:

• Healthcare
• Education
• Employment
• Legal systems

Easy Read is one way to make sure no one is excluded.

---

Examples of Easy Read Use

Easy Read can be used in:

• Hospital information
• Mental health support
• Government services
• Education materials
• Legal rights documents
• Workplace policies

---

Key Message

Accessible communication is not optional.

It is a necessary part of equality, dignity, and inclusion.

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🧩 Easy Read Version (for your symbol-based pages)

Easy Read: Communication and Understanding

What is communication?

Communication means sharing information.

We all need to understand information.

---

What is disability communication?

Disability communication helps everyone understand.

It uses:

• Simple words
• Clear sentences
• Pictures

---

What is Easy Read?

Easy Read is a way of writing that is easy to understand.

It uses:

• Short sentences
• Simple words
• Pictures

---

Who does Easy Read help?

Easy Read helps:

• People with learning disabilities
• People with autism
• People with dyslexia
• People who find reading hard

---

Easy Read rules

✔ Use short sentences

✔ Use simple words

✔ Use pictures

✔ Use large text

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Why is Easy Read important?

Easy Read helps people:

• Understand information
• Make choices
• Know their rights
• Be more independent

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Important message

Everyone has the right to understand.

Everyone has the right to be heard.

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🧑‍⚕️ Training Version (for staff / professionals)

Easy Read and Disability Communication: Staff Guide

What Staff Need to Know

Accessible communication is essential for safe and effective care.

Not all patients can understand standard written or spoken information.

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What is Easy Read?

Easy Read is a structured format that improves understanding by using:

• Simplified language
• Visual supports
• Clear formatting

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When to Use Easy Read

Use Easy Read when supporting:

• Patients with learning disabilities
• Patients with cognitive impairments
• Individuals with low literacy
• People experiencing distress or confusion

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Good Practice

✔ Use plain English

✔ Speak slowly and clearly

✔ Use visual supports where possible

✔ Check understanding (do not assume)

✔ Allow extra time for responses

✔ Use one question at a time

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

✘ Using long sentences

✘ Using jargon or medical terms without explanation

✘ Giving too much information at once

✘ Not checking understanding

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Why It Matters

Poor communication can lead to:

• Misunderstood symptoms
• Incorrect treatment
• Increased anxiety
• Loss of patient dignity

Good communication improves:

• Safety
• Trust
• Outcomes
• Patient experience

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Key Message

Accessible communication is part of professional responsibility.

It is not optional—it is essential.

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🛠️ Simple Easy Read Template (you can reuse)

You can copy this structure for any topic:

TITLE

• What is it?
• Who is it for?
• What does it do?

RULES (✔ list)

• Short sentences
• Simple words
• Pictures

WHY IMPORTANT

• Helps understanding
• Helps choices
• Helps independence

KEY MESSAGE

• One short, powerful sentence

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If you want next (highly recommended for your book build):

I can now:

• Add Widgit-style symbol suggestions next to each line
• Turn this into a printable PDF workbook
• Create a PowerPoint training pack
• Build a full Easy Read chapter set across your whole book
• Adapt this into US + UK legal frameworks (ADA / Equality Act)

Just tell me 👍

all of these in written order please in our own word? is there an American version of this?

Yes—there isn’t one single official “American version” of Easy Read like there is with some UK organisations (e.g. Mencap), but the same approach absolutely exists in the U.S. under different names and systems.

In the U.S., you’ll see it called:

• Plain Language
• Accessible Communication
• Easy-to-Read materials
• AAC-supported communication

It is also supported by laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which require information to be accessible.

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Now here is your full rewritten content in your own words, in order, ready for your book 👇

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📘 Main Version (Rewritten – Book Style)

Disability Communication and Easy Read

What is Disability Communication?

Disability communication means sharing information in ways that everyone can understand, including people with disabilities.

It is about removing barriers so that people are not excluded from important information.

This includes making sure information is:

• Clear
• Easy to follow
• Available in different formats

Disability communication supports people with a wide range of needs, including learning disabilities, autism, sensory differences, and mental health conditions.

The aim is to make communication fair and accessible for all.

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What is Easy Read?

Easy Read is a type of accessible communication that makes information simpler.

It is designed so that people can understand information more easily, especially if they find reading difficult.

Easy Read uses:

• Short, clear sentences
• Simple, everyday words
• Pictures or symbols to support meaning
• A clear and uncluttered layout

It breaks down complex ideas into smaller, more manageable parts.

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Who is Easy Read for?

Easy Read is mainly designed for people with learning or thinking disabilities.

However, it can also help:

• Autistic people
• People with dyslexia
• People with brain injuries
• People with dementia
• People who do not speak English as their first language
• Anyone who finds long or complicated text difficult

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Key Rules of Easy Read

Easy Read follows a few important rules:

Short Sentences

Each sentence should focus on one idea only.

Simple Words

Use everyday language that is easy to understand.

If a difficult word must be used, explain it clearly.

Pictures and Symbols

Images are used to help explain the meaning of the words.

These can include photos, drawings, or symbol systems.

Clear Layout

The page should be easy to read.

This includes:

• Large text (usually size 14 or bigger)
• Simple fonts
• Plenty of space
• Bullet points instead of long paragraphs

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Why is Easy Read Important?

Many people find standard documents too difficult to read.

This can stop them from:

• Understanding important information
• Knowing their rights
• Making decisions
• Accessing support

Easy Read helps remove these barriers.

It allows people to:

• Understand information
• Make choices about their lives
• Feel more independent
• Be included in society

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Communication is a Right

Being able to understand and share information is a basic human right.

Everyone should be able to:

• Understand what is happening to them
• Ask questions
• Make decisions

Accessible communication helps make this possible.

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Key Message

Information should be accessible to everyone.

Easy Read is one way to make sure no one is left out.

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🧩 Easy Read Version (Rewritten)

Easy Read: Understanding Communication

What is communication?

Communication means sharing information.

We all need to understand information.

---

What is disability communication?

Disability communication helps everyone understand.

It makes information:

• Clear
• Simple
• Easy to follow

---

What is Easy Read?

Easy Read is a way of writing that is easy to understand.

It uses:

• Short sentences
• Simple words
• Pictures

---

Who is it for?

Easy Read helps:

• People with learning disabilities
• People with autism
• People with dyslexia
• People who find reading hard

---

Easy Read rules

✔ Use short sentences

✔ Use simple words

✔ Use pictures

✔ Use large writing

---

Why is this important?

Easy Read helps people:

• Understand information
• Make choices
• Know their rights
• Be more independent

---

Important message

Everyone has the right to understand.

Everyone has the right to be heard.

---

🧑‍⚕️ U.S.-Adapted Training Version (Rewritten)

Accessible Communication and Easy Read: U.S. Staff Guide

What Staff Need to Know

Accessible communication is essential in healthcare, education, and public services.

Not all individuals can understand standard written or spoken information.

Staff must adapt communication to meet different needs.

---

What is Easy Read?

Easy Read is a communication method that simplifies information using:

• Plain language
• Visual supports
• Clear formatting

In the United States, this approach is often referred to as "plain language" or "accessible materials."

---

Legal Context (United States)

Accessible communication is supported by laws such as:

• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

These laws require reasonable accommodations, including accessible information.

---

When to Use Easy Read

Use Easy Read when supporting:

• Individuals with learning disabilities
• People with cognitive impairments
• Individuals with low literacy
• Patients who are anxious, overwhelmed, or confused

---

Good Practice

✔ Use plain, everyday language

✔ Speak clearly and at a steady pace

✔ Use visual supports when possible

✔ Check understanding regularly

✔ Give extra time for responses

✔ Ask one question at a time

---

What to Avoid

✘ Long or complex sentences

✘ Medical or technical jargon without explanation

✘ Giving too much information at once

✘ Assuming understanding

---

Why It Matters

Poor communication can lead to:

• Misunderstood symptoms
• Incorrect decisions
• Increased