About this resource
Information only helps if people can use it. This checklist covers planning the message, choosing words, laying out the page, choosing formats and testing with readers, followed by a short rewrite exercise teams can use in training.
Purpose
To improve the readability and accessibility of written information across a team.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Allied health and multidisciplinary teams. Also relevant for speech pathologists, NDIS providers and support coordinators.
Client or participant group: Allied health, disability and community health teams writing information for clients, participants and families.
Practice setting: Team development, resource writing and quality improvement.
Suggested uses
- Writing or reviewing client handouts
- Team training on plain language
- Quality improvement of letters and forms
- Preparing information for Easy Read conversion
Instructions for practitioners
- Use the checklist when planning and reviewing any written information.
- Run the rewrite exercise in a team meeting or training session.
- Test drafts with people from the intended audience.
- Seek specialist Easy Read development for people who need it.
Accessibility considerations
The checklist itself uses plain language and clear headings. Consider interpreters and translated versions, and alternatives such as audio or video.
Scope and limitations
A practical writing aid. It does not certify documents as Easy Read or as meeting any particular accessibility standard.
Research basis
Clear, plain-language information and checking understanding (teach-back) improve understanding, safety and quality of care. Easy Read standards and disability rights frameworks support people's right to accessible information; test Easy Read materials with the people who will use them.
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. (2014). Health literacy: Taking action to improve safety and quality. ACSQHC. https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/publications-and-resources/resource-library/health-literacy-taking-action-improve-safety-and-quality
- Australian Government. Style Manual: Plain language and word choice. https://www.stylemanual.gov.au/writing-and-designing-content/clear-language-and-writing-style/plain-language-and-word-choice
- Inclusion Europe. (2009). Information for all: European standards for making information easy to read and understand. https://www.inclusion-europe.eu/easy-to-read-standards-guidelines/
- Talevski, J., Wong Shee, A., Rasmussen, B., Kemp, G., & Beauchamp, A. (2020). Teach-back: A systematic review of implementation and impacts. PLOS ONE, 15(4), e0231350. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0231350
- United Nations. (2006). Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-rights-persons-disabilities
What is included
A 3-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced. Reflects widely published plain language principles. The rewrite examples were written for this resource.
