What is accessible information?
Accessible information is information given in a way the person can understand, remember and use. It removes barriers — long sentences, jargon, small print, complicated forms, fast speech — that stop people taking part in their own lives.
In the UK, the NHS Accessible Information Standard says health and social care services must:
- Ask people what their communication needs are
- Record those needs
- Flag them so staff know
- Share them across services (with consent)
- Meet them — actually provide information in the right format
What is Easy Read?
Easy Read is a format that uses:
- Short, simple sentences
- One idea per sentence
- Everyday words instead of jargon
- A picture next to each piece of text to support meaning
- Large, clear font (often size 14+)
- Plenty of white space
- Clear headings
- Bold for important words
It is designed mainly for people with a learning disability, but it helps many others too — people with dementia, brain injury, English as an additional language, or just anyone who finds long documents hard.
Other accessible formats
- Large print — for sight loss
- Audio — recorded version of written information
- British Sign Language (BSL) — videos for Deaf BSL users
- Braille
- Symbols — Widgit, PCS, Makaton symbols
- Photos and objects of reference
- Video with subtitles and clear narration
- Plain English — clear, simple writing (not the same as Easy Read but related)
Writing in plain language
Whether or not you make a full Easy Read document, you can make any text more accessible:
- Use short sentences (15–20 words max)
- Use everyday words ("help" not "facilitate")
- One idea per sentence
- Write to "you" — be direct
- Avoid jargon, abbreviations and acronyms; if you must use one, explain it
- Use bullet points and clear headings
- Use active voice ("we will send you a letter") not passive ("a letter will be sent")
- Numbers as digits (10, not ten)
- Put the most important information first
Visual supports at home and school
You can build your own accessible information:
- Visual timetables — what is happening today
- Now / next boards — what we are doing now, what comes next
- Choice boards — pictures of options to choose from
- Social stories — short stories with pictures that explain a situation
- Communication passport — about me, how I communicate, what helps
- Step-by-step instructions — one picture per step (washing hands, making toast)
- Picture recipes
- Safety cards — what to do in an emergency, with photos
Asking for accessible information
You have the right to ask for:
- Easy Read versions of letters, leaflets and consent forms
- Longer appointments to explain things
- Information in advance so you can prepare
- A trusted person present
- Things explained again, in a different way
If a service refuses, ask which policy they are following and request a written response. Complaints can go through PALS (NHS), the local authority or your local Healthwatch.
Where to find ready-made Easy Read
- Mencap — wide range of free Easy Read resources
- NHS — Easy Read guides on conditions and treatments
- Photosymbols — image library for making Easy Read
- Books Beyond Words — picture stories for adults
- Local learning disability teams often have Easy Read leaflets
Key message
If a person cannot understand the information, they cannot make a real choice. Accessible information is not a special favour — it is the foundation of dignity, consent and participation.
Small words. Clear pictures. Plenty of time. That is what good communication looks like.