When organisations invest in accessible communication, one question often comes up:
“Does it actually make a difference?”
The short answer is yes, but perhaps not in the way many people expect.
Research over the past decade has shown that accessible communication isn’t simply about making words easier to read. It’s about helping more people understand information, participate in decisions and feel included and that’s where both Simple English and Easy Read have an important role to play.
Accessible communication is about people, not just documents
For many years, organisations focused on producing information that was technically accurate.
Today, expectations have changed. Governments, community organisations and businesses increasingly recognise that information should also be usable.
If people cannot understand information, they cannot make informed choices, access services or fully participate in their community.
That’s why accessible communication is increasingly recognised as an essential part of inclusion not an optional extra. Article 21 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) recognises the right of people with disability to receive information in accessible formats. (ACL Anthology)
What the research tells us
One of the largest Australian studies examining Easy Read, Easy English and Plain Language found something important. There isn’t one format that works for everyone.
Researchers found that different accessible formats meet different needs and organisations should think carefully about who they are writing for before deciding which approach to use. (PMC)
In other words… The question isn’t whether Simple English or Easy Read is better.
The better question is: “Who is my audience, and what will help them understand this information?”
That’s a subtle but important difference.
It’s about understanding and dignity
Interestingly, researchers have found that the benefits of Easy Read go beyond comprehension alone.
People using Easy Read resources often report feeling recognised, respected and included simply because information has been created with them in mind. Even where improvements in measured comprehension are mixed, participants describe accessible information as supporting participation and helping them engage with services. (Wikipedia)
That matters because inclusion isn’t only about whether someone can read a document. It’s about whether they feel the document was written for them.
Simple English has a broader reach
Research into plain language consistently shows that clearer writing benefits a much wider audience than many people realise.
Think about busy professionals, parents, older Australians, people reading on their phones, people whose first language isn’t English or in fact anyone trying to understand complex information quickly.
Plain language removes unnecessary barriers without removing important information, making it easier for everyone to find, understand and use what they need. (PLOS)
Why organisations should offer both
Imagine publishing a new community strategy. Some readers will appreciate a detailed Simple English version that explains the full story in clear language.
Others will benefit from an Easy Read version that focuses on the key messages using simple words, visual supports and a carefully designed layout.
Neither replaces the other but together, they create more opportunities for people to engage. That’s the real goal of accessible communication. Not simply producing another document, but helping more people participate.
Accessibility is becoming an expectation
Across Australia and internationally, organisations are placing greater emphasis on inclusive communication. People increasingly expect information to be available in formats they can understand.
Accessible communication builds trust, strengthens engagement and demonstrates that organisations genuinely value the people they serve. It’s not simply about compliance, it’s about connection.
How Brio Group can help
At Brio Group, we believe accessible communication should be purposeful, evidence-informed and centred on people. We don’t just simplify words.
We help organisations understand who they’re communicating with, then recommend the right approach, whether that’s Simple English, Easy Read or a combination of both.
We believe accessible communication isn’t about creating another version of a document, it’s about making sure more people can understand it, use it and feel included.
If your organisation is reviewing its communication, community engagement or accessibility strategy, we’d be delighted to explore how accessible communication can support your goals. Let’s start a conversation about making your information work for everyone.
References
- Stoll, M. et al. (2022). Plain Language Summaries: A Systematic Review of Theory, Guidelines and Empirical Research. PLOS ONE. (PLOS)
- Meltzer, A., Barnes, E. & Wehbe, A. (2025). Easy Read… Easy English… Plain Language? Decision-Making in the Production of “Easy” Information in Australia. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities. (PMC)
- Newman, B., Fisher, K. & Trollor, J. (2023). How do Australian mental health services use Easy Read to make information accessible for people with intellectual disability? Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities. (PMC)
- Deleanu, A. M. et al. (2024). Accessible Communication: A Systematic Review and Comparative Analysis of Official English Easy-to-Understand Language Guidelines. (ACL Anthology)