This Clear Language Lab webinar took place on December 14, 2022 as part of the Plain Language Foundations series. Check out the notes below, or access the webinar recording and slides.
Connecting accessibility & plain language
Using plain language means centering your audience’s needs and goals, and writing in a way that they can find, understand, and use the information you're sharing.
Accessibility is about compliance, usability, equity, and creating welcoming spaces
The ADA guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to enjoy employment opportunities, purchase goods and services, and participate in state and local government programs. (from the ADA website)
Accessibility laws exist to aid people with disabilities, but designers should try to accommodate all potential users in many contexts of use anyway. (from Interaction Design Foundation)
The Social Model of Disability
Focused on making the world accessible
Impairments (condition) vs. disability (the world’s lack of ability to accommodate)
Some impairments have deep impacts, even if the world is an accessible place
Big takeaways
Center your audience
Start by thinking about what your audience wants and needs to know
Use plain language writing techniques
Use the language people prefer
Collect feedback from your audience
Use inclusive images
Design with purpose - CRAP
Contrast: Do important details “pop” or stand out?
Repetition: Are colors, fonts, and the style of the graphics cohesive? Are elements grouped in consistently?
Alignment: How do text and pictures line up?
Proximity (Grouping): Is information grouped in logical order? Is it obvious where new sections or groups start and stop?
Create humanizing processes
Give people choices
Ask yourself:
Does this have to be in writing?
What other formats can I use to share this information?
Be prepared to answer questions
Set clear expectations upfront
How long will this take?
What information do people need on hand?
How can people get assistance?
How will you follow up?
Microsoft accessibility tools to check out
Accessibility checker
Styles
Alternative Text
Design Feature
Resources
Accessibility resources
Plain language resources
Interested in learning more about professional development at Clear Language Lab? Check out other past webinars, find upcoming events on our training page, or contact Sarah Glazer, Sr. Program Manager, at sarah@litworks.org to learn more about our offerings.
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