Goal: Highlight why it’s important to co-create materials with people who face reading barriers.
What does it mean to create truly accessible communication? We’ve seen the principles and strategies—but behind them are real people whose voices often go unheard.
This grain introduces the perspective of Zavod RISA, a resource and research centre for plain language and accessible information in Slovenia with which Les Apprimeurs are working on various European projects. Through their work, RISA shows that accessibility isn’t only about clarity—it’s about participation, autonomy, and dignity.
RISA runs several innovative programmes with and for people who face reading and comprehension challenges. They publish 20 Minutes in Easy Slovene, a free newspaper co-created with users. The readers are not just passive consumers—they can suggest topics, write articles, and contribute to quizzes. As one team member put it:
“Our users aren’t just readers—they are co-authors.”
This approach matters because for many people, difficulty understanding information equals reduced autonomy. When individuals don’t have access to clear information about their rights, health, housing, or voting, they are effectively cut off from full participation in society.
RISA’s staff work with people transitioning out of institutions or navigating disability support systems. These individuals often face bureaucratic language that makes even simple steps—like making a doctor’s appointment or applying for aid—confusing or impossible.
“If you don’t know that you have rights, you can’t exercise them.”
The team at RISA also stresses that plain language is not childish language. It’s respectful, carefully designed communication that supports inclusion for all. They test every document with real users and create tailored materials—for example, to prepare people with cognitive disabilities for Erasmus+ mobility, using illustrated guides and suitcases with practice materials.
This grain is an invitation to listen—and to reflect. How can we design communication that includes rather than excludes? What does it mean to co-create content with the people we aim to serve?
To go further and know more about Easy Slovene and Zavod RISA:
- Visit the website of the Slovenian national radio written in Easy Slovene
- Explore a sample of 20 Minutes in Easy Slovene