Easy-to-Read ensures that persons with intellectual disability and those with limited reading skills can access and understand documents written in a standardised format that combines approved images and simple text.
Easy-to-Read should be the golden standard of communication with and for persons with intellectual disability or reading difficulties.
What is Easy-to-Read?
Easy-to-Read is an internationally recognised method of presenting written information in an easier-to-understand format using specific writing standards, while pictures, photos and other symbols are used to support the text. In essence, Easy-to-Read is an adaptation that makes both reading and comprehension possible and easier.
To achieve such a product, the writer/publisher must take into consideration content, language, illustrations, as well as graphic layout.
All documents written in an Easy-to-Read format must comply with very specific rules provided by Inclusion Europe. Documents have to be proofread, understood and approved by persons with intellectual disability before they are made available to others.
In September 2023, Cape Mental Health will be rolling out the second phase of Easy-to-Read Document Writing training nationally to healthcare and allied health professionals, special and inclusive education professionals, and other interested stakeholders. The training is funded once again by AMSOL.
Contact Razaan Galiel, ITD Manager, Cape Mental Health for more information.
Email: innovation1@cmh.org.za | Tel: +27 21 447 2416 / 447 9040
Read here for more on Easy-to-Read and it’s importance for communication with persons with disabilities.
