Introducing an Easy English guide backed by research!

Do you want to write information that’s accessible to people with intellectual disability and low English literacy but don’t know where to start?

Maybe you’ve come across some ‘Easy English’ or ‘Easy Read’ guides published in Australia and the UK, but you’re not sure which one to follow.

Now you can access an Easy English guide that’s backed by research.

Scope and Melbourne University recently partnered on a research project to review a number of established accessible written information guides and find common features that lead to good practice.

Here are just some of the key findings:

1. Understand your audience. Tailor your information for people with intellectual disability and think about ways to help them read and understand the information.
2. Use accessible language. For example, short words and sentences; everyday language; simple punctuation; and no symbols.
3. Good formatting is important. Use lots of space between lines and paragraphs; bullet lists; left-aligned text; non-serif fonts like Arial; and 14-point font size for body text.
4. Images can aid understanding. Images should add meaning; be clear and consistent; be positioned to the left of the corresponding text; be appropriate to the reader.
5. People with intellectual disability must be involved. Seek advice about which information should be included and test the information before it’s printed.

If you’re interested in finding out more about Easy English, contact Scope’s Communication and Inclusion Resource Centre on 03 9843 2000 or circ@scopeaust.org.au