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.