On 13 May 2025, the European projects Text it Easy and That’s Clear! joined forces in Paris to organise a full-day training activity and conference dedicated to plain language, accessibility and inclusive communication.
Beyond a simple dissemination event, this meeting was designed as a cross-project dialogue, bringing together partners, external organisations, researchers and practitioners working on plain language in adult education, youth work, education, culture and civic engagement.
Two projects, shared values, complementary targets
The day opened with a presentation of both projects and their partners. While Text it Easy focuses on adult education and professional training, and That’s Clear! addresses youth and youth workers, both initiatives share a strong conviction:
clear and accessible communication is a key condition for autonomy, inclusion and participation.
This training activity aimed to build bridges between sectors, foster mutual learning, and create a shared space for reflection on national practices, challenges and innovations in plain language across Europe.
Plain language as a condition for independence and access to work
Representatives from LebensGroẞ opened the conference by highlighting the link between clarity, accessibility and independence for people with disabilities.
Through concrete examples from vocational guidance, job coaching and inclusive training programmes (such as NEBA), they showed how plain language supports access to qualifications, employment and long-term integration into the labour market.
A striking example concerned apprentices with disabilities who can only access a limited part of the school curriculum due to linguistic complexity, including learners using sign language who face major barriers with written texts. Plain language was presented not as simplification, but as equal access to learning content.
Teaching clearly: challenges in formal education
A second keynote focused on training teachers to communicate clearly, based on experiences from Cluj County (Romania).
The speakers highlighted the difficulties faced by remigrant students, who return to the country after living abroad and struggle with academic language, especially in STEM subjects.
Key takeaways included:
- the lack of a national plain language methodology for education,
- the need to adapt teaching materials, school websites and institutional communication,
- the importance of training the trainers.
Concrete adaptations were demonstrated, such as simplifying technical vocabulary, using visual and digital aids, and integrating multilingual approaches to support learners’ previous educational paths.
Literacy, accessibility and neurodiversity
The contribution of Logopsycom broadened the perspective by questioning what literacy means today. Drawing on international surveys (PIAAC, LAMP, STEP), they reminded participants that literacy is not a binary skill, and that low literacy has major social, professional and health impacts.
They also presented several European projects — Bibliolingua, Storias, REACT and Visit Math — illustrating how adapted pedagogical resources can turn learning materials into supports rather than obstacles.
Their intervention strongly anchored plain language within:
- the neurodiversity paradigm,
- and the social model of disability,
emphasising that changing environments and materials is more effective than trying to “fix” individuals.
When theatre, citizenship and leadership meet plain language
Several interventions highlighted the power of non-formal education and creative approaches.
- Sciara Progetti showcased how theatre and city-based learning paths can engage young people from diverse backgrounds, using performance as a universal language to address sensitive topics and foster debate.
- PLIS explored the relationship between plain language and leadership, notably through the MindGen initiative, where teenagers deliver TED-style talks. Here, plain language becomes a tool for empowerment, self-confidence and civic voice, enabling young people to speak clearly, authentically and impactfully.
Plain language as a driver for active citizenship
Les Apprimeurs connected plain language directly to active citizenship and social participation.
Through the Clear Language Fresco, a collaborative workshop co-created with a 17-year-old intern, participants explored communication barriers using cards representing profiles, emotions, obstacles and contexts.
This activity illustrated how making invisible barriers visible helps shift from understanding to action, reinforcing the idea that plain language is not about “dumbing down”, but about enabling people to act, engage and co-create change.
Technology, assessment and future perspectives
The final sessions addressed two key challenges:
- how to combine clarity and technology without overwhelming learners,
- and how to assess the clarity of a text.
Contributions from Studium, SABA and U31 stressed that clarity does not mean reducing content, but rethinking structure, tools and priorities.
While automated readability scores and AI tools can support the process, human evaluation and clear regulatory frameworks remain essential.
Strengthening a European community of practice
This joint training activity demonstrated the growing maturity of the plain language movement in Europe, while also highlighting the need for stronger bridges between adult education, youth work, formal education, culture and digital learning.
By bringing together diverse perspectives and practices, Text it Easy and That’s Clear! reaffirmed a shared ambition:
- to make clear language a cornerstone of inclusion, empowerment and democratic participation — for all ages, in all sectors.