𝘈𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘹 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦: 3 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘴🕒
Easy Read is a communication format that presents information using:
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Short, simple sentences
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Plain English
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Clear structure
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Large, readable text
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Supporting images or symbols
Easy Read materials break down complex information into smaller, manageable sections. Each idea is usually presented on its own line or page, and often accompanied by a relevant image that reinforces the meaning of the page.
According to UK Government guidance on inclusive communication, Easy Read is intended to make written information more accessible to people with learning disabilities. It is also used by people with cognitive impairments, some autistic people, individuals with lower literacy levels and those for whom English is not their first language.
Please note that Easy Read is not “simplified English”. It is a structured format with defined accessibility principles.
Who uses Easy Read?
Easy Read is primarily used by:
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People with learning disabilities
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Individuals with cognitive impairments
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Some autistic individuals
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People who struggle with complex written information
In many cases, Easy Read enables individuals to make informed decisions about healthcare, legal rights, housing, financial matters and public services.
It is important to recognise that accessibility needs vary. Some people may require braille, some may prefer large print, and others may benefit from Easy Read. An inclusive communication strategy considers all of these formats.
UK legal responsibilities
Under the Equality Act 2010, organisations have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure disabled people are not placed at a substantial disadvantage when accessing information or services.
Providing information in Easy Read may constitute a reasonable adjustment where standard documentation is too complex to be understood independently.
Local authorities and public sector bodies frequently use Easy Read for:
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Policy consultations
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Housing guidance
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Voting information
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Health information
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Consent documentation
When should organisations provide Easy Read?
Easy Read may be required when:
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Information relates to legal rights or consent
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Healthcare decisions must be understood clearly
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Public services are engaging with diverse communities
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Policies or consultations affect people with learning disabilities
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Equality impact assessments identify communication barriers
Proactively offering Easy Read materials demonstrates a commitment to inclusion, transparency and equitable service delivery.
Another option that we like to recommend is, in some cases where alternative formats are more optional, let people request alternative formats like braille, large print and Easy Read. If you get a request, such as someone requesting your business leaflet, then make the decision.
Supporting accessible communication with confidence
Accessible formats such as Easy Read are central to inclusive practice within UK organisations.
However, producing effective Easy Read documentation requires structured adaptation, professional review and careful design. Accuracy must be maintained while simplifying language, particularly where content relates to legal, medical or financial matters.
Since 2006, Wolfestone has supported organisations with ISO-certified language and accessible document services. Our dedicated project and account management approach ensures Easy Read materials are produced accurately, securely and in line with recognised accessibility standards.
If you require Easy Read services as part of your accessibility strategy, we can provide a free consultation and quote to support your needs.
𝘒𝘦𝘪𝘳𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 2021 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘨𝘰 𝘨𝘭𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘵 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘵. 𝘏𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦, 𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴.
