Goal: Show how civil society organisations put plain language values into practice by defending the right to understand and making information truly accessible.
Note: These initiatives may not always use the term plain language, but they serve the same purpose: ensuring that people—especially those in vulnerable situations—can understand and act on the information that affects their lives. Whether labelled as accessible information, user-friendly content, or culturally adapted materials, these approaches reflect the values behind plain language and contribute to the right to understand.
The right to understand is not only a legal principle, but also a social and democratic one. While governments play a role in promoting plain language, civil society organisations often lead the way in turning that right into practical, everyday access.
Groups like Inclusion Europe have long promoted Easy to Read and plain language formats as a tool for equal participation. They co-create documents with persons with intellectual disabilities and translate complex EU texts into formats that are easier to understand. Their mission to provide equal rights and full inclusion in all aspects of life reflects the broader goal of accessible communication for full societal participation (Inclusion Europe, 2022).
Médecins du Monde, whose mission goes beyond care to uphold the dignity of each individual, works closely with migrants and people in precarious situations. As part of their outreach, they adapt information on health and rights to make it more understandable and culturally appropriate, even if these actions are not formally framed as “plain language” initiatives.
In France, organisations like Droit au Savoir and CoActis Santé offer tools that help young people with disabilities navigate complex systems like education, employment, and healthcare. Their materials often combine plain language, pictograms, and co-designed layouts to increase usability.
These initiatives show that plain language is not only a technical fix, but also a part of how people claim their space in society. Advocacy groups play key roles in:
- Identifying real barriers to comprehension
- Collaborating with users to test and improve communication
- Filling in gaps where public communication is unclear or inaccessible
- Pushing public institutions to do better
While laws and policies are important, the right to understand only becomes real when people participate in shaping the messages that affect them. Plain language is not just about reading—it’s about being heard, included, and empowered.
Sources
Inclusion Europe. (2022, March 22). Easy-to-read – Inclusion Europe.
Santé, C. (n.d.). accueil. Coactis Santé.
La charte – Droit au savoir. (n.d.). Droit Au Savoir.
Accès aux droits et aux soins – Médecins du Monde. (2023, August 10). Médecins Du Monde.