| We need more information that is easy to read and understand. We need to do it in the same way. We need to do it in the right way. Follow the simple rules to make your information easy to read and understand. Click here to download the European standards in English. You can also find the rules in 15 other languages. |
The European Union has developed a set of guidelines for making information easy to read and understand, known as the “European Standards for making information easy to read and understand” (also called “European Easy-to-Read Standards” or “EURLex”). These standards are intended to make information more accessible to people with intellectual disabilities, people with low literacy skills, and people for whom the language of the original text is not their first language.
The European Easy-to-Read Standards cover a range of topics, including:
- Text structure and layout: Use simple sentences, short paragraphs, and headings to make the text easier to read and navigate. Use white space, clear fonts, and appropriate font sizes.
- Vocabulary and grammar: Use plain language, avoid jargon, and explain technical terms. Use the active voice, avoid complex sentence structures, and use the same word consistently to avoid confusion.
- Images and symbols: Use images and symbols to support the text and provide visual cues. Make sure they are clear, unambiguous, and relevant to the text.
- Testing and feedback: Test the text with people who have low literacy or intellectual disabilities to get feedback on how easy it is to read and understand. Make revisions based on their feedback.
The European Easy-to-Read Standards are not legally binding, but they are widely used in the European Union and many organizations and governments have adopted them as a best practice for making information accessible to a wider audience.
