Why is easy read important to neurodiverse people like me?

Why is easy read important to neurodiverse people like me?

Cheryl Ferris-Stewart

I am Autistic, I have dyslexia and visual processing disorder. This world is hard for someone like me to navigate, this world is made for neurotypical people,

I process Information in different way to other people. I use special software called Text read. When I need to read text on the computer, I highlight the words, and it reads it out to me. Without this software I find reading and understanding information can cause me to feel overwhelmed, tired and at times cause me physical pain like migraines from eye straining to read words that can move about on the page.

There have been times recently when I had to go to the hospital for a routine procedure and they didn't have the information leaflet in easy read. This meant I had to ask someone to read and explain the information to me. I couldn't be independent in reading this leaving me frustrated and ashamed.

Easy read is very important for someone like me, it make complicated information easier to understand, it uses simple pictures and words., it means the world is accessible to me in a way I need it to be.

When creating information, easy read should not be an afterthought, it should be a priority of the people creating information, information should be accessible to all not just the few. There are people out there like CHANGE that specialise in creating easy read so there is no excuse for not making something accessible.

Cheryl Ferris-Stewart is a lived experience project worker who works across The Advonet Group that CHANGE is part of.

Discover how CHANGE can help your organisation use Easy Read to provide information to diverse audiences who struggle with standard communications.

Our expert team of experienced designers create clear, engaging, and inclusive Easy Read communications that adhere to your brand guidelines and meet your high standards.
Subscribing to our Easy Read Image Bank gives you access to a template, guide, video tutorials, and over 2000 hand-drawn high quality images showcasing a diverse and inclusive range of people, enabling you to create your own high quality easy read content.
Our lived experience team of people with learning disabilities provide quality assurance through accessible review.
Our experienced trainers deliver training on accessible information, easy read creation and learning disability awareness, co-delivered by a person with a learning disability.
Access our free resources, including our guide on How to Make Information Accessible.

For more information and further help in making your content more accessible, call us, email [email protected], or fill out the form below.

Why is easy read important to neurodiverse people like me?

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