Goal: Clarify the difference between plain language and Easy-to-Read formats, and who each is for.
Both plain language and easy-to-read formats aim to make information more accessible, but they cater to different audiences and have distinct characteristics.
Plain Language
Purpose: designed for the general public, including individuals with varying literacy levels.
Characteristics:
- Uses clear, straightforward language.
- Avoids jargon and complex sentence structures.
- Organises content logically with clear headings.
- Focuses on the reader’s ability to find, understand, and use the information effectively.
Application: suitable for official documents, websites, and communications intended for a broad audience.
Easy-to-Read
Purpose: tailored for individuals with intellectual disabilities, cognitive impairments, or low literacy skills.
Characteristics:
- Employs very simple language and short sentences.
- Includes supportive images to convey meaning.
- Follows specific guidelines to enhance comprehension.
- Often uses larger fonts and increased white space.
- Easy-to-Read documents should also be reviewed and validated by people with intellectual disabilities, to ensure the material is genuinely clear and accessible.
Application: Ideal for conveying essential information to audiences requiring additional support to understand standard texts.
Key Differences
- Audience: Plain language targets the general public; easy-to-read is specifically for those with learning difficulties or low literacy.
- Complexity: Plain language simplifies content without diluting the message; easy-to-read significantly reduces complexity and adds visual aids.
- Design: Easy-to-read formats often incorporate images and design elements to aid understanding, which is less common in plain language materials.
Understanding these distinctions ensures that information is appropriately tailored, promoting inclusivity and effective communication across diverse audiences.
Sources
Inclusion Europe. (n.d.). Easy-to-read. Retrieved from https://www.inclusion-europe.eu/easy-to-read/
Plainlanguage.gov | Home. (n.d.). https://www.plainlanguage.gov/