How to make easy read documents accessible

Writing easy read documents is a skilled task that requires training. It is not the same as writing in plain English.

Easy read information should:

• Be written in short, clear sentences
• Not include more than one piece of information in each sentence
• Use easy words. For example, write "doctor" instead of "general practitioner"
• Not use difficult words or jargon. If this is unavoidable, explain what the difficult word means in easy words - either on the same page or in a glossary
• Explain what acronyms stand for unless they are very common. For example: "Your CCG will have information booklets around health. CCG means Clinical Care Commissioning Group. This is your local health authority."
• Not use abbreviations - write "for example" instead of "eg"
• Not use contractions - write "cannot" instead of "can't"

You can find advice on writing and formatting easy read content in:

• Change People's guide to creating easy read documents
• The GOV.UK guidance on easy read

You can use the Hemingway app to check how easy your content is to read. For easy read content, you should aim for a readability level between grade 4 to grade 6.