The NSW Government is making essential information more accessible for communities across the state with a new ‘Easy Read’ format for a wide range of topics from how to prepare for an emergency to applying for a Photo Card.
The Easy Read format presents information in a straightforward and easy to understand way, with simplified language, large font sizes and images to support text.
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib says the new format is particularly useful for people with an intellectual disability. In NSW, there are approximately 1.34 million residents living with disability, and one in 20 who require assistance in their daily lives, according to the Judicial Commission of NSW.
The Easy Read format will also be useful for people with low literacy levels and those whose first language is not English.
“Inclusion is a key priority for me, including making sure every resident can access the information they need online and in person. I am grateful for the key role played by the Council for Intellectual Disability in partnering with my department to develop a guide for the NSW public sector on how to produce more information in Easy Read format,” said Minister Dib.
“Lived experience provides an incredibly important insight, and we continue to work closely with people with intellectual disabilities and other stakeholders to ensure that our services are truly inclusive and accessible to all.
“The launch of the Easy Read project is an important step as we continue to make NSW a more inclusive state for everyone.”
So far, 36 topics have been translated into Easy Read including guides on applying for social housing, paying debts, and accessing TAFE courses. Another 10 guides are in progress covering everything from emergency preparedness to topping up your Opal card and staying safe from scams, which will be available in the coming months.
In partnership with the Council for Intellectual Disability and other key stakeholders, an Easy Read Style Guide is also being released to ensure all NSW Government departments can prepare online content using Easy Read.
“Easy Read is our ticket to inclusion! It helps us find the government services we need and how to live a full life in the community. Thanks to the Government for its commitment to Easy Read and listening to us about what makes good Easy Read,” said Vice-Chair of the Council for Intellectual Disability, Fiona McKenzie AM.
“The Easy Read format ensures we are clearly communicating important information about essential services to everyone, especially people with disability and those with low literacy levels,” said Minister for Disability Inclusion, Kate Washington.
The Style Guide is part of the NSW Government’s Accessibility and Inclusivity Toolkit which provides the guidance and tools for NSW Government agencies to make their content accessible.
Find out more about Easy Read at www.nsw.gov.au/easy-read or find the style guide at https://www.digital.nsw.gov.au/delivery/accessibility-and-inclusivity-toolkit/communication/easy-read.
