What Is Easy Read?
Easy Read is a method for presenting written information so it’s accessible and easy to understand for people with learning disabilities and others with reading or comprehension challenges. It uses very short sentences, simple vocabulary, clear layouts, supporting images, and a friendly tone. It often uses:
- Sentences with no more than 10–15 words, each conveying just one idea and one active verb.
- Sans-serif fonts, at least 14pt in size.
- Clear imagery positioned thoughtfully next to text to support understanding.
- Minimal formatting and clean layout.
(Wikipedia)
Why Easy Read Matters—Back by Real Data
- Targeted Reach: In the UK, about 1.5 million adults have a learning disability. Easy Read supports their right to accessible information.
(AbilityNet, Mencap) - Legal Foundations: Easy Read aligns with the Accessible Information Standard (UK, from August 2016) and with mandates from the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Equality Act 2010.
(AbilityNet, Mencap) - Proven Effectiveness: Research shows that combining visual aids and high-frequency vocabulary makes sentences significantly more accessible and easier to process.
(ScienceDirect)
Easy Read vs Plain Language—Where They Differ
| Feature | Easy Read | Plain Language |
|---|---|---|
| Complexity | Very simple, often with images | Clear and concise, but more flexible |
| Reading Level | Aimed at Year 4–6 equivalent | Aimed at general adult literacy levels |
| Media | Supports with images, layout design | Mainly text-based with strong organization |
| Usage Context | Helps people with learning disabilities | Broad audience—including non-native speakers |
| (Wikipedia, stylemanual.gov.au) |
Guidelines for Sentence-Level Best Practice
Here’s how to craft Easy Read sentences that are effective and inclusive:
- One idea per sentence; 10–15 words max. Keep it simple and direct.
(Wikipedia) - Prefer active voice, e.g., “You fill in the form” rather than “The form must be filled in by you.”
(Wikipedia) - Use high-frequency, everyday words. Avoid jargon. If a complex term is needed, include an easy-to-understand definition separately.
(SARTAC) - Use large, readable fonts (minimum 14pt), clear sans-serif typeface, ideally 16–20pt, to improve readability.
(learningdisabilities.org.uk, Hertfordshire County Council) - Use visuals—photos preferred over cartoons—placed to the left of corresponding text, to reinforce comprehension without distraction.
(Mencap, Hertfordshire County Council, learningdisabilities.org.uk) - Organize content clearly: include a contents page for longer documents, keep sections short, and use headings and bullet points.
(stylemanual.gov.au) - Test with users: Involve people with learning disabilities in testing drafts—this significantly increases effectiveness.
(AbilityNet, Mencap)
Sample Before & After
Plain English:
“Thank you for your letter asking for permission to put up a poster in the library; before we can give you an answer, we will need to see a copy of the poster to assure that it won’t offend anyone.”
Easy Read version:
“Thank you for your letter about your poster. We need to see the poster. We will check if the poster might upset people. Then we will let you know if you may put it up.”
(Wikipedia)
Quick Stats & Takeaways
- 1.5 million adults in the UK benefit from Easy Read materials.
- Active voice, short sentences, images, and plain vocabulary improve comprehension.
- Visual supports significantly enhance sentence processing, especially for non-literate, learning-disabled populations.
- Easy Read is legally supported under various accessibility frameworks and increasingly adopted by public and private sectors.
How This Can Help on Your Website
- Clarity: Make complex content truly approachable for users with different reading abilities.
- Compliance: Align with accessibility requirements and good practice.
- Engagement: Build trust by being genuinely inclusive and user-focused.