Why accessible information matters
Every person is an individual. Within communities, there are those with low literacy skills, non-readers, non-native speakers as well as those with impairments that mean the written word/signage/instructions are not always accessible.
There are many reasons why someone may have difficulty with language and learning. There are almost a million people of all ages in England with a learning disability. Information helps us all to make decisions and choices about our lives and enables us to live independently and take part fully in society.
For many people, information is not readily and easily available. Having difficulty reading or writing, for whatever reason, can affect education; employment; finances; health and family life. It can prevent people from getting the information they need to make choices.
Accessible information helps break down these barriers. Whether it’s through simplified language, large fonts, or the use of pictures, providing information in a way that’s easy to understand can empower people and improve their quality of life.
Digital accessibility: a growing need
As more services move online, ensuring digital accessibility becomes increasingly important. Websites, online forms, and documents must be created with accessibility in mind, ensuring that all users, regardless of their abilities, can easily navigate and comprehend the information provided.
The use of Easy Words and Pictures, as outlined in our guide on How to Make Information Accessible, is a powerful tool for this. It combines simple language with clear visuals, helping those with learning disabilities or reading difficulties access the information they need to make informed choices.