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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Different Ways to Share Information

Some people may prefer:

• Writing

• Audio

• Video

Always ask what works best.

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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