Easy-to-read language
Accessible and clear communication to all
WHAT IS EASY-TO-READ LANGUAGE?
Easy-to-read language is a simplified writing style, which ensures that the texts are clear and accessible to everyone including those who have reading or comprehension difficulties. Texts written in easy-to-read language are unique with their short and clear sentences, which convey the most important information regarding a certain topic. Usually, such texts come along with images helping to understand the information.
As of January 1, 2024, public authorities have been obliged to provide information in easy-to-read language, and following Directive 2019/882/EU of the European Parliament and the Council (the European Accessibility Act), the majority of Lithuanian companies will have to comply with this as of June 2025. Only companies with less than 10 employees will be exempted.
Statistically, easy-to-read language would help more than 15% of Lithuanians. That is 420,000 people.
WHICH PRODUCTS AND SERVICES EILL NEED TO BE ADAPTED TO EASY-TO-READ LANGUAGE?
- Computers and operating software
- E-books
- Online shops
- ATMs, ticket machines and registers
- Smartphones
- Television equipment related to cable TV services
- Telecommunication services, for example, service provider apps and websites
- Audiovisual media services
- Online and physical transport-related services such as ticket machines, apps and websites
- All financial services, for example, internet banking
WHY EASY-TO-READ LANGUAGE IS IMPORTANT?
The legal environment draws more and more attention to accessibility. European Union law and national legislation require that certain documents be prepared in easy-to-read language, especially if they are meant for the public sector or vulnerable groups.
WHO IS THE EASY-TO-READ LANGUAGE FOR?
- For people with intellectual disabilities
- For the elderly
- For people who know only the basic grammar in the local language
- For people with reading difficulties or dyslexia
- For anyone looking for clear easy-to-read information
Esay-to-read language levels
Easy-to-read language has three levels of clarity depending on the audience:
Level 1 texts are short and contain only essential information. Level 1 texts are aimed at people with significant cognitive challenges. The ideas are presented in a very clear and coherent way and illustrated with examples from everyday life.
Level 2 texts are short and convey the most important information on a given topic. New and more detailed information is introduced gradually, only when it is necessary. Key information or more complex ideas are illustrated with pictures.
Level 3 texts are aimed at people with lower levels of education and literacy, and people with intellectual disabilities. May be supplemented with pictures, but not necessarily. These texts are also suitable for advanced users of Lithuanian as a foreign language.
All the standards for text production discussed above emphasise the importance of the inclusion of the target group – the text must be checked in an easily understandable language by validators supported by facilitators.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PREPARING TEXTS IN EASY-TO-READ LANGUAGE:
- Avoid long sentences, complex sentence structure
- Avoid unnecessary words
- Use well-known terms
- Avoid negative words
- Avoid phraseologies
- It is recommended to explain difficult words a few times
- Use at least a 1.5 gap between the lines, a minimum font size of 14
- Enhance the text with explanatory images
HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?
Our specialists help companies and the public sector to transform their texts into easy-to-read language. The process includes:
- Analysis of existing texts – identifying which documents need to be adapted and simplified.
- Content simplification – rewriting texts according to easy-to-read language rules.
- Final review and testing – texts are tested with target groups to ensure their readability
- Staff training – we will train your staff to communicate in easy-to-read language and to deliver service properly, as required.
Contact us
Familiarising yourself with the requirements of the EU Directive can be a daunting task. If you’re not sure how to implement these requirements, Skrivanek’s team of experts can help.
Want to know more about our easy-to-understand language service? Contact us and we’ll help you create texts that are accessible to everyone!