Have you ever been asked to make a document “simpler”?
It sounds straightforward, but there are actually two different approaches that organisations should understand: Simple English and Easy Read.
They have a common goal, to make information easier to understand but they are designed for different audiences and different purposes.
Knowing when to use each one is an important step towards creating information that is truly inclusive and accessible.
Simple English: Making information clearer for more people
Simple English (sometimes called plain language) is about writing clearly so that more people can understand information the first time they read it.
It doesn’t remove important information. Instead, it removes unnecessary complexity.
Simple English typically includes:
• Everyday words instead of jargon
• Shorter sentences
• Clear headings
• Active language
• Logical structure
• Explanations of technical terms when needed
It benefits busy professionals, people with lower literacy, people whose first language is not English, older adults, and anyone reading complex information.
Easy Read: Making complex information easier to understand
Easy Read goes a step further. It combines very simple text with carefully chosen images and a structured layout.
Easy Read typically includes:
• One key idea at a time
• Short sentences
• Everyday vocabulary
• Large, clear fonts
• Plenty of white space
• Professional illustrations that support the text
It is particularly valuable for people with intellectual disability, cognitive disability, learning difficulties, low literacy or limited English proficiency.
Why produce both?
Different people have different communication needs.
Simple English provides more detail in clear language. Easy Read provides the key messages in a highly supported format.
Providing both demonstrates a genuine commitment to inclusion and accessibility, helping more people understand information independently.
Brio Group’s approach
At Brio Group, we develop both Simple English and Easy Read resources that are accurate, engaging and genuinely useful.
We preserve the meaning of your original document while making it easier to understand. Whether you’re developing policies, consultation papers, reports or community information, we can help you communicate clearly and inclusively.
Want to make your information more accessible?
References:
Australian Government Style Manual: https://www.stylemanual.gov.au/content-types/easy-read
Digital NSW Plain Language: https://www.digital.nsw.gov.au/delivery/accessibility-and-inclusivity-toolkit/communication/plain-and-inclusive-language
Queensland Government Easy Read: https://www.forgov.qld.gov.au/service-design-and-delivery/design-public-services/digital-accessibility/develop-easy-read-content
Inclusion Australia Accessible Information: https://www.inclusionaustralia.org.au/towards-inclusive-practice/topics/accessible-information/