Easy read and accessible information
What is easy read?
Easy read documents usually combine short, jargon-free sentences with simple, clear images to help explain the content. It is increasingly used to help the 1.5 million people who have a learning disability in the UK.
However, easy read can also be useful for people who speak English as a second language; people who find it hard to read and write; people who have memory problems; or people who are in a hurry or are stressed.
Easy Read is often confused with plain language. While both have the same objective – ensuring information is easier for people to understand – easy read text is generally far less complex than plain language text, and usually includes simple images. It is often helpful to consider these different styles of writing on a spectrum, with easy read at one end, Plain language in the middle, and standard text at the other.
What is accessible information?
The Accessible Information Standard is a rule which says that disabled people should get information in a way they can understand.
NHS organisations are legally required to provide information in accessible formats, including easy read, as part of the Accessible Information Standard. This applies to all NHS organisations, including hospitals, doctors, dentists, pharmacies, and social workers.
The standard aims to improve the experiences and outcomes of people with disabilities, impairments, or sensory loss. Other accessible formats include braille, large print, and audio. The standard also requires organisations to support people's communication needs, such as by providing British Sign Language interpreters or advocates.
Making information more accessible
People with learning disabilities in the UK can face significant and avoidable health inequalities. The Accessible Information Standard (2015) requires all NHS and adult social care services to provide information in an accessible format, such as braille, easy read, large print or audio.
Although this legislation has significantly improved the availability of accessible health information, many patients still do not receive information in a format they can understand.
Healthwatch North Yorkshire will continue to call out services and ask that they make information accessible to everyone.
Easy read information
Healthcare information is available in easy read for people who need it.
Read information from the NHS in easy read
More easy read leaflets and links
