Easy Read matters

Easy Read makes information easier to understand. It can help you meet the Accessible Information Standard. It is also useful for:

• People with English as a second language.
• Those who are stressed or time poor.
• People with communication difficulties.

Why Easy Read is important

• 1.5 million people in the UK have learning disabilities.
• Half of adults in the UK struggle to access trusted health information.
• Low health literacy is linked to poor general health.

Making Easy Read resources

Layout

• Use a logical order – introduction, content, contacts.
• Keep images to the left and text to the right.
• Use white backgrounds.
• Use a plain sans serif font in 14pt or more.

Language

• Use plain language – check for jargon using a readability tool.
• Use short sentences – 15 words maximum – which convey one clear idea each.
• Use active rather than passive voice.
• Avoid abbreviations, acronyms and apostrophes.

Images

• Use meaningful, high-quality images to support each sentence.
• Be inclusive and representative of users.
• Avoid busy backgrounds.

Top tips

• Always work with users to ensure words and images convey the right message.
• Use nouns instead of pronouns: “The doctor will phone your brother” not “They will phone him”.
• Easy Read should still include enough detail to support informed decision making.

Published by the Patient Information Forum March 2023. Updated March 2025, next review March 2028.