Easy read

Why Easy Read matters

Access to NSW Government information is essential to ensure all people in NSW have equitable access to NSW Government communications and resources. Easy Read helps everyone understand important government information, meaning people can make informed decisions. 

Easy Read benefits everyone by simplifying information through plain language, short sentences, and clear messages.

When key government documents and pieces of information are only available in long form many people are unintentionally excluded from important information they need.

When to use Easy Read

People who could benefit from or prefer information in Easy Read access a wide variety of government services, not just services relating to disability.

Easy Read may be suitable for information or communications relating to:

• health services
• disability support services
• social housing
• education services
• public transport
• justice and family services
• completing a task, like filling out and submitting a form or application.

When considering whether to use Easy Read, check the preferences and requirements of your audience or users (this may include people with intellectual disability, people with English as a second language, older Australians, people with low literacy, and people with learning disabilities).

Consult with your audience and identify their needs, including:

• the services and information that are most relevant, for example accessing specialist disability services.
• information that is key to personal safety. For example, safety in an emergency or  vaccinations.
• what information is needed for day-to-day life. For example, using public transport, social housing, dealing with fines, voting.

Easy Read format

Think of the Easy Read version as a short summary of the main ideas. This helps organise your document and decide how much detail to include. Use a consistent layout and minimal design elements. Use short sentences, one idea or point per sentence, and start each sentence on a new line. The simpler the better.

List the main points you want to talk about and plan how to explain them. Use examples to make ideas clearer.

Tips for writing Easy Read content

Images

While researching, think about the images you want to use. Some users find it easier to understand illustrations, others photographs. Be clear about who your audience is and how they relate and engage with the content. Ensure images have descriptive alt text.

Choosing images

• Be consistent with the style of image you use.
• The NSW Brand Toolbox offers a range of image resources to use.
• You can use good quality illustrations or photographs, but illustrations allow you to describe more in a less detailed way.
• When using illustrations, make sure they are simple, but descriptive enough to convey the meaning of one idea.
• Choose an image that describes the main points of the text or helps in understanding any more complicated keywords.
• Choose images that resonate with and are representative of your audience.
• Limit detailed background information that doesn’t help get the message across.
• Use well understood symbols like ticks and crosses to convey correct choices or actions.

Image formatting

• Images should be placed to the left of your text.
• Don’t put images above or below the text.
• Images should take up a third of the space and the related text should take up two thirds.

Complex language

Certain words might be hard for people to understand, especially those with three or more syllables.

Difficult words

If you have to use a difficult word, put it in bold. Right after, explain what the word means in simpler terms. If there are many of these difficult words, make a list at the end of your document and call it a 'word list.'

Example

Image of a chef chopping vegetables with accompanying text.

Avoid questions

Avoiding asking questions in your Easy Read text. Questions can make some people uneasy because they might feel pressured to respond. If you need information, provide examples after your questions so people understand how to answer.

Example

Illustration of a person filling out a form with text about employment.

In Easy Read, use titles that state information instead of asking questions.

Producing Easy Read materials

Try using our Easy Read tips or consider engaging with Easy Read experts, including for training or reviews.

Review

Your Easy Read materials should undergo a comprehensive review process to ensure their quality and accessibility.

This includes:

• self-review
• peer review based on Easy Read guidelines
• usability testing with an inclusive group, including people with intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, low literacy and from culturally and linguistically diverse communities
• a final quality review. 

Completing these review stages ensures your Easy Read material meets its purpose, adheres to guidelines, incorporates key messages, and maintains a logical flow. These factors are important to ensure your Easy Read content makes the information easier for people to understand.

Examples

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

Support