Easy readEasy read is reported to be a method of presenting written information to make it easier to understand for people with an intellectual disability. Easy read writers suggest sentences of no more than ten to fifteen words, with each sentence having just one idea and one verb. Active sentences are used instead of passive sentences. Easy read is closely edited to express ideas in a small number of simple words. Any difficult word or idea is explained in a separate sentence.[1] Published peer reviewed studies challenge the effectiveness of Easy Read. A 2017 meta-narrative review found no clear evidence that easy read health information leads to improved understanding or health outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities when disseminated as public information.[2] A 2017 study found that easy read texts did not result in more effective understanding of content compared to standard versions, even when additional support was provided.[3] The plain English statement: "Thank you for your letter asking for permission to put up a poster in the library; before we can give you an answer, we will need to see a copy of the poster to assure that it won't offend anyone." could be rewritten in easy read as follows: "Thank you for your letter about your poster; we need to see the poster to check that it won't upset people, then we may decide if you may put it up." An easy read document is usually presented in at least 14-point text, in a sans-serif font, is limited to 24 pages of content, and includes images that are suggested to help people understand.[4] The UK government promotes the use of easy read across the public sector, in order to increase access to public services.[5] In Australia, in response to research conducted with the community and public sector staff, the South Australian government promotes the broad benefits of easy read in their Online Accessibility Toolkit.[6] See also
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