Whether it’s plain language or Easy Read, simplified writing makes texts readable for a wide variety of audiences, including people with intellectual and learning disabilities, English language learners, and those with limited access to education. Characterized by active tense, short sentences, and familiar vocabulary, plain language is an essential tool for communicating in a way that guarantees you will be understood. In this workshop, we will:
Define plain language and differentiate its various uses;
Discuss the importance of readability, particularly for people with intellectual disabilities, who are often excluded based on reading ability;
Learn the basic characteristics of plain language;
Practice several plain language translations.
Attendees will leave equipped with resources to begin writing in plain language in their organizations.
Learning Objectives:
Develop a working understanding of the definitions of and potential uses for plain language, easy read, and other kinds of accessible writing.
Become familiar with the common characteristics of plain language.
Learn and practice the steps one would take to develop a plain language document.
