Easy English is a style of writing that tries to avoid unnecessary words, jargon, technical terms, excessive punctuation, complex formatting or long and ambiguous sentences. When using Easy English, clear pictures or symbols can be used to assist in explaining the written text.
The aim of writing a document in Easy English is to make it clear and easy to understand by a wide audience. Some guidance for writing in Easy English include:
- use of simpler words
- use of short sentences and paragraphs which start and finish on the same page
- use of point form for main meanings
- prioritising key points
- use of specific and direct language
- avoiding jargon
- use of examples where helpful
- use of a larger font and spacing
- ensure maximum contrast between text and background
- use of minimal formatting such as coloured text or centering text
- use of pictures or symbols which remain constant throughout the document.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Many Australians have difficulty reading printed documents such as brochures, catalogues, manuals, contracts, posters or websites. This may be for a variety of reasons, including:
- a learning difficulty such as dyslexia
- an intellectual disability or acquired brain injury
- deteriorating eyesight
- difficulty with visual processing
- English as their second language
- minimal formal education or poor educational outcomes
- personal preference for a shorter or simpler document.
Easy English interpreters are also available to change workplace documents such as training manuals or induction material into Easy English. More information on other types of interpreting including captioning and reading services, can be found at the links below:
References
Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training (no date specified), Information Access: Making print materials more accessible, The Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training (ADCET), Launceston, viewed 2 December 2011, http://www.adcet.edu.au/view.aspx?id=3979.
Vision Australia 2011, Readability Guidelines, Vision Australia, Enfield, 2 December 2011, http://www.visionaustralia.org.au/INFO.ASPX?PAGE=785#Guidelines.