Who needs Easy Read text ?

Easy Read is designed for people with learning disabilities. It also helps people with low literacy, people who speak English as a second language, and anyone who prefers clear, direct information. Many public sector organisations are legally required to provide Easy Read versions of their documents.

What are the rules for Easy Read ?

The main rules are: use short sentences (one idea each), use simple everyday words, use images to support the text, use large clear fonts, leave plenty of white space, and use bullet points instead of long paragraphs. These rules follow the UKAAF Easy Read guidelines.

What is Easy Read Format ?

Q: What is Easy Read format ?

Easy Read format is a way of presenting information so that it is easy to understand. It uses short sentences, simple words, and supporting images. It follows UKAAF accessibility guidelines and is designed for people with learning disabilities, but helps many other readers too.

Easy Read makes information accessible to everyone. Here is what it is and why it matters.

Easy Read in simple words

Easy Read format uses short sentences, simple words, and supporting Images to make information easy to understand for everyone.

Who needs Easy Read ?

People with Learning Disabilities

The primary audience for Easy Read. Around 1.5 million people in the UK have a learning disability.

People Learning English

Simple words and short sentences help people who speak English as a second language.

Low Literacy Readers

One in six UK adults struggles with Reading. Easy Read helps them access information they need.

The key rules of Easy Read format

One idea per sentence. Keep sentences short — no more than 15 words.

Use simple words. Choose "use" instead of "utilise". Choose "help" instead of "assist".

Add supporting Images. A relevant Image next to each section helps readers understand the meaning.

Use plenty of white space. Do not cram text together. Space helps readers follow the page.

Use large, clear fonts. At least 14pt. Left-aligned text. No italics or underlining.

Is Easy Read a legal requirement ?

For many public sector organisations, yes. The Equality Act 2010 requires accessible communication for people with disabilities. NHS Trusts, Local Councils, Housing Associations, and Charities often need Easy Read versions of key Documents. Read more about legal requirements.

Common questions

Plain English removes jargon and simplifies writing for a general adult audience. Easy Read goes further — it uses Images, larger fonts, and much shorter sentences. It is designed for people with learning disabilities. See the full comparison.

The UK Accessibility and Accessible Format guidelines (UKAAF) set the standards for Easy Read in the United Kingdom. Claru follows these guidelines for every Conversion. Read about UKAAF standards.

You can create Easy Read Documents manually by following the UKAAF guidelines, or use Claru to convert your existing Documents automatically. Claru uses AI to rewrite your content and adds supporting Images for you.

Convert your Document to Easy Read

Upload a PDF, Word Document, or paste a Website URL. We convert it to Easy Read format for you.

Convert to Easy Read → Read the Easy Read Guide