Easy Read guidance
Easy Read is a way of sharing text and information in a way that is easy to understand and use. It can be helpful for people with learning disabilities, but other people find it helpful as well. Easy Read uses easy words and short sentences to explain things. Difficult or unfamiliar words are always explained. It uses larger text to help make it easier to read. Pictures and photos are shared beside the text to help make the information easier to understand.
Tips to create good Easy Read information
Be clear about what you want to tell people and why. Be clear about whom the information is for and if you want a response.
Style your text accessibly
- Use short, easy to understand, words and explain any long, difficult words or jargon.
- Avoid putting more than one idea in a sentence.
- Write short sentences, maximum of 15 words.
- Keep your documents short and don't miss anything important.
Numbers
- Write numbers in figures and use images to help. For example, use a clock to illustrate time.
Pictures
- Pictures should support the meaning of the words and be easy to understand.
- Pictures can be drawings, photographs or other images.
- Make pictures as big as possible.
- Use pictures that have a meaning for the person or group of people. For example, use pictures that are local.
Layout
- Use a large font size such as 14 or 16 point. Use Arial or another sans serif font.
- Use clear headings that help explain what the information is about.
- Place pictures on the left and words on the right. Use a different picture or two for each paragraph of text.
- Use accessible line spacing of 1.5 or 2.0 and make sure your text is aligned to the left beside your pictures. Do not justify or centre your text.
- Use more spacing between paragraphs to make it easier to read.
- Make sure your text is on a plain background with good colour contrast, so it is easy to read.
Testing
- Once you have written your document, test it with people who may use it. Ask their views and work with them to make sure your Easy Read is easy to understand and use.
