Who the information is for
What they need to know
Why they need to know
80% of people with a learning disability have communication difficulties
Use short words
Use simple words
Avoid putting more than one idea in a sentence
Stick to concrete ideas
Try to use I, we, you
Try to use the present tense
Try not to use jargon or long, hard words
If you must use a hard word, explain what it means
Write numbers in figures
Use a clock to illustrate time
Write short sentences
Keep your documents short
Don’t miss anything important
Pictures should support the meaning of the words
Pictures must be easy to understand
Pictures can be drawings, photographs or other images
Make pictures as big as possible
Where possible use pictures that have a meaning for the person or group of people. For example, use pictures that are local
Use a large font size (at least 14 point)
Use plenty of white space
Use Ariel font
Use one colour of print
Use clear headings
Once you have written your document read it out loud. Can you get rid of more words?
Discuss the draft with a group of people who might use it. Make agreed changes and take it back to the group for agreement.
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Accessible website design and development by Jim Byrne. Copyright SAIF 2013
