Introduction
The Leeds NHS Easy Read Guide is a useful example of how information can be made accessible for people with learning disabilities, autism, cognitive difficulties, and people who struggle with complex written information.
The guide is not just about making text shorter.
It is about making information easier to understand.
1. It Uses Pictures and Images
The guide places images alongside information.
This helps people:
Understand meaning
Remember information
Connect words with concepts
The images support the text instead of decorating the page.
2. It Uses a Clear Layout
The guide explains that:
Images should normally be placed on the left
Text should be placed on the right
Writing should be left aligned
Text should not be centred
This makes information easier to follow.
3. It Uses Large Print
The guide recommends:
At least 14-point font
Clear fonts such as Arial, Verdana, or Tahoma
Large print can help people who have:
Learning disabilities
Dyslexia
Visual difficulties
Reading difficulties
4. It Avoids Difficult Formatting
The guide recommends avoiding:
Italics
Underlining
Large amounts of CAPITAL LETTERS
Decorative fonts
These can make reading more difficult for many people.
5. It Uses Simple Language
The guide encourages:
Short words
Everyday language
Plain English
Instead of using complicated words, information should be written in a way that most people can understand.
6. It Uses Short Sentences
The guide recommends:
Short sentences
Fewer than 20 words where possible
Two short sentences are often easier to understand than one long sentence.
7. It Avoids Jargon
The guide explains that jargon and abbreviations can confuse people.
If specialist words must be used:
Explain them first
Give examples
Use plain language whenever possible
This is especially important in:
Healthcare
Education
Social care
Employment support
8. It Uses Bullet Points
Lists are easier to read than long paragraphs.
Bullet points help people:
Find information quickly
Remember key points
Follow instructions more easily
9. It Uses White Space
The guide encourages:
Plenty of space on the page
Avoiding information overload
Keeping layouts uncluttered
Too much text can be overwhelming for people with:
Autism
ADHD
Dyslexia
Learning disabilities
Anxiety
10. It Involves People with Learning Disabilities
One of the most important points in the guide is that information should be developed and tested with people who have learning disabilities.
This helps ensure that:
Information actually works
People understand it
Accessibility is based on real experiences
The Leeds "Easy on the i" service was developed with input from people with learning disabilities themselves.
What Teachers, Tutors, and Lecturers Can Learn From This
This guide shows that good teaching should:
Use clear language
Use visual support
Present one idea at a time
Reduce information overload
Check understanding
Adapt information to the learner
These principles help:
People with learning disabilities
People with autism
People with ADHD
People with dyslexia
People with dysgraphia
People with dyscalculia
People with dyspraxia
In reality, they often help everybody learn more effectively.
Key Message
Easy Read is not about "dumbing down" information.
Easy Read is about making information accessible.
Good teaching removes barriers to learning.
When information is clear, visual, structured, and understandable, more people can participate, learn, and succeed.
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