1. One Idea Per Line
The guide explains that each sentence should contain only 1 main idea. This reduces overload and improves processing.
❌ Harder Version
Anxiety and sensory overload can make appointments difficult because people may struggle to process information and communicate clearly.
✅ Easy Read Version
- Anxiety can make appointments difficult.
- Noise can feel overwhelming.
- Some people struggle to process information.
- Some people struggle to communicate clearly.
This style works especially well for:
- Autism
- Dyslexia
- ADHD
- Dyscalculia
- Brain injury
- Fatigue
- Anxiety disorders
🧠 2. Easy Read is Different from Plain English
The guide explains that Easy Read is not just “simple writing.” It combines:
- simple words,
- visual support,
- predictable formatting,
- spacing,
- and structure.
Easy Read helps people:
- process information,
- remember information,
- and reduce stress while reading.
🖼 3. Pictures Support Understanding
ASAN strongly recommends pairing text with visuals.
Suggested Layout for Your Book
| Left Side | Right Side |
|---|---|
| Symbol or image | Short Easy Read sentence |
| Brain icon | “Anxiety affects concentration.” |
| Ear icon | “Noise can feel painful.” |
| Speech bubble | “Clear language helps communication.” |
This is exactly why Easy Read textbooks often look different from traditional textbooks.
The white space is intentional.
✍️ 4. Use Short Direct Sentences
The guide recommends:
- active voice,
- direct wording,
- avoiding unnecessary detail,
- and removing abstract phrasing.
❌ Academic Style
Interventions should be implemented to facilitate emotional regulation.
✅ Easy Read Style
- Staff can help people feel calm.
- Quiet spaces can reduce stress.
- Clear instructions improve understanding.
🔁 5. Repeat Important Words
Easy Read avoids unclear pronouns.
❌ Confusing
They may forget what was said.
Who is “they”?
✅ Clear
- The patient may forget information.
- The student may forget instructions.
Repeating the subject improves clarity.
🔠 6. Formatting Matters as Much as Writing
The guide recommends:
- sans-serif fonts,
- larger text,
- strong spacing,
- and left-aligned paragraphs.
Recommended for Your Book
- Arial
- Verdana
- Calibri
- 14–16pt font
- Large margins
- Short paragraphs
- No justified text
Dense pages create visual fatigue for many neurodivergent readers.
📚 7. Predictable Structure Helps Readers
The ASAN guide emphasizes consistency and structure.
Your chapter pattern is already very strong:
- Why This Matters
- Lived Experience
- Professional Action
- Red Flags
- Key Message
That predictable scaffolding reduces anxiety for readers.
It also helps:
- students,
- carers,
- nurses,
- support workers,
- and families.
🧑🦽 8. Include Disabled Voices
ASAN repeatedly stresses the importance of self-advocates helping shape accessible resources.
This is one of the strongest parts of your book idea.
You are not only explaining conditions.
You are explaining:
- lived experience,
- barriers,
- emotions,
- misunderstandings,
- and practical support needs.
That moves your work away from:
-
“fixing people”
and toward: - understanding people.
🌍 9. Your Book Fits the Social Model of Disability
The guide aligns closely with disability-rights thinking and accessibility principles.
Instead of:
“The person failed to cope.”
Your structure asks:
“What barriers made this harder?”
That is a major shift in healthcare education.
💡 Example Template for Your Future Chapters
📘 Topic Title
⭐ Why This Matters
- Short points only.
- 1 idea per line.
👤 Lived Experience
- First-person examples.
- Emotional impact.
- Sensory experiences.
🧑⚕️ Professional Action
- Clear instructions for staff.
- Practical support steps.
🚩 Red Flag Indicators
- Behaviour changes.
- Distress signs.
- Communication changes.
✅ Key Message
- Short summary.
- Positive and clear.
The guide itself is worth studying closely because it goes beyond writing rules and explains why accessibility matters socially and politically. It also discusses formatting, focus groups, visuals, glossaries, and testing materials with disabled readers.
No comments:
Post a Comment