What is Easy Read and Why it Matters for Organisations

Unlocking Understanding: Why Easy Read Matters for Your Organisation and NDIS Participants

As an NDIS advocate with DisabilityInsights, I often see organisations striving to be more inclusive. They're building Disability Action Plans, developing accessibility frameworks, and genuinely trying to reach more people. But sometimes, a crucial piece is missing: Easy Read.

What is Easy Read, and why should your organisation prioritise it? It's more than just simplifying language; it's about ensuring everyone, especially NDIS Participants, can access and understand vital information.

What Exactly is Easy Read?

Easy Read is a specific format for presenting information in a clear, concise, and accessible way. It's designed to be easily understood by a wide range of people, including:

• People with intellectual disability or cognitive impairments.
• Individuals who are neurodivergent.
• People with low literacy skills.
• Those who speak English as a second language.
• Anyone who finds complex language and jargon overwhelming.

Think of it as user-friendly communication. It's not about "dumbing down" information but about making it usable. Key features of Easy Read include:

• Simple Language: Short sentences, common words, and avoidance of jargon.
• Clear Layout: Plenty of white space, headings, and bullet points to break up text.
• Supporting Images: Relevant images or symbols that reinforce the meaning of the text. These aren't just decorative; they are integral to comprehension.
• Consistent Formatting: Maintaining a consistent style throughout the document to aid readability.
• Plain English: Before converting something to Easy Read, make sure the original is written in Plain English.

Key NDIS Considerations: Why Easy Read is Essential

The NDIS is all about empowering Participants to make informed choices and exercise choice and control over their lives. Accessible information is fundamental to achieving this. Here's why Easy Read is crucial within the NDIS context:

• Informed Decision-Making: Participants need to understand their Plans, support options, and rights. Easy Read ensures they can actively participate in decisions about their care. Imagine trying to navigate a complex NDIS Plan review document filled with jargon you don't understand. Easy Read transforms this from a barrier into an opportunity for genuine engagement.
• Access to Services: Organisations providing NDIS services (registered and unregistered) have a responsibility to communicate effectively with Participants. This includes information about services, policies, complaints processes, and more. Easy Read ensures that all Participants can access these services fairly.
• Meeting Accessibility Standards: The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission emphasizes accessibility. Providing information in Easy Read demonstrates a commitment to inclusive practices and can help organisations meet their obligations. While not explicitly mandated in every case, it's a powerful way to show you are genuinely prioritizing the needs of Participants with diverse communication requirements.
• Promoting Independence: When Participants can understand information, they are more likely to feel confident and independent. Easy Read empowers them to manage their own affairs and advocate for their needs. This aligns directly with the NDIS goal of fostering independence and self-determination.
• Addressing Communication Barriers: Some Participants may have communication difficulties that make it challenging to understand written or spoken information. Easy Read bridges this gap, creating a more equitable and inclusive experience.

Practical Steps: How Your Organisation Can Implement Easy Read

Implementing Easy Read doesn't have to be daunting. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Identify Key Documents: Begin by identifying the documents that are most important for Participants to understand. This might include:

   • NDIS Plan summaries and reports
   • Service agreements
   • Information about support options
   • Complaints and feedback processes
   • Privacy policies

2. Plain English First: Ensure the original document is written in plain English. Use short sentences, avoid jargon, and define any technical terms.

3. Find a Qualified Easy Read Provider: Creating effective Easy Read requires specialized skills. Look for providers who have experience working with people with disability and who follow best practice guidelines. Co-design with people with lived experience is essential. Ask about their process for ensuring accuracy and clarity.

4. Involve People with Lived Experience: The most effective Easy Read resources are developed in consultation with the people who will be using them. Seek feedback from NDIS Participants with intellectual disability or other communication needs to ensure that the information is truly accessible.

5. Use High-Quality Images: Choose images that are clear, relevant, and culturally appropriate. Avoid using generic stock photos that don't add value to the text.

6. Test and Revise: Once the Easy Read document is created, test it with your target audience and make any necessary revisions based on their feedback.

7. Train Your Staff: Ensure that your staff understand what Easy Read is and why it's important. Provide them with training on how to use Easy Read resources effectively.

8. Promote Your Easy Read Resources: Make sure that Participants know that Easy Read versions of your documents are available. Promote them on your website, in your brochures, and through your support workers.

Conclusion: Creating a More Inclusive Future

Easy Read is more than just a format; it's a commitment to inclusion. By making information accessible to everyone, your organisation can empower NDIS Participants, improve communication, and create a more equitable and inclusive society. It signals that you value and respect the diverse needs of all Participants.

Don't see Easy Read as a burden, but as an opportunity to improve your communication and connect with a wider audience. Embracing Easy Read is an investment in a future where everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in their communities and live fulfilling lives. Start today and make a real difference!