About Easy Read

What is Easy Read?

A bridge to understanding.

Illustration showing information being shared

More than just pictures

Easy Read is a way of making information accessible for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).

It adapts standard text into a format that is:

  • Visually Clear: Layouts are simple and uncluttered.
  • Linguistically Simple: Difficult jargon is removed.
  • Supported by Images: Every main idea has a picture to explain it.

The 3 Rules of Easy Read

1. The Words

We use simple, everyday words.

We write in short sentences.

We avoid "abstract" concepts.

2. The Pictures

Pictures help explain the text.

We place pictures to the left.

We use clear photos or symbols, not decoration.

3. The Layout

Lots of white space.

Big font (size 14 or more).

No "Justified" text (uneven edges are easier to read).

Who uses Easy Read?

It is designed for people with learning disabilities.

But it also helps:

  • People who do not speak English well.
  • People who are stressed or anxious.
  • People with memory loss (Dementia).
  • Anyone who wants clear facts quickly.

"If you get it right for people with IDD, you get it right for everyone."

Group of Self-Advocates from Manbhavan sitting together

The Manbhavan Self-Advocacy Group