Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2013 #4228) shows that 44% of Australian adults struggle with day-to-day reading tasks. Low literacy is defined as a reading ability at or below level 2, as classified by the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED). The expected literacy level for those who have completed lower secondary education is ISCED Level 2.

These literacy statistics mean many Australian adults are excluded from accessing important information. Much important information is written in plain language. Plain language is a standard accessible format used by the Australian Government. However, Plain Language can require a reader to have up to ISCED level 3 literacy, excluding many in the process.

Easy English is a form of accessible information that uses cognitive-load reduction techniques to increase the readability of information. 

Writing in Easy English means using clear, simple, and straightforward language. It also uses concrete images to support written communication and make it more accessible. People understand Easy English information more easily, regardless of their language skills, education level, or cognitive abilities. It is significantly more accessible than plain language and Easy Read.

Easy English 4 U creates accessible content from original content. Adaption is available for original content of standard and high complexity.

The base service includes:

• Pre-project review meeting

• Reading and interpretation of original text

• Creation of Easy English document using best practices

• Images designed to support the text

• Document formatted according to best practice

• Post-draft review

• Up to 1 round of revisions following post-draft review

• Minor amendments post-review.

Terms of service:

• There is a one-page minimum

• The document to be adapted is required for quoting purposes.

• Fees are set per page, and the fee varies according to complexity.

• There is no charge for the front cover or acknowledgment page.

• Premium images will incur additional fees.

• We strongly recommend consumer testing to gain feedback and allow us to tailor the Easy English content for your audience. This is a separate service.

Consumer reviews involve a person with low literacy reading and reviewing the adapted document to ensure that the messages of the original document are accurately conveyed in the Easy English document. For greater insight, it is advisable to consult more than one consumer.

Easy English 4 U conducts consumer reviews. However, your organisation can also undertake the reviews. We support you in doing this. Once we receive the consumer's input, we adapt the document to incorporate their feedback.

Terms of service:

• This service is priced via quote only.

• Consumers are paid for their time.

Readability Assessment:

This service is available in two tiers, basic and detailed. The basic assessment provides an overview of readability, based on scores and brief notes that outline their meaning. In addition to the basic assessment, the detailed assessment includes an analysis of sentence structure, tone, and clarity.

Readability Report:

There are two types of reports available, simple and detailed. The simple report is a short one-page PDF summary with scores, key issues, and suggestions for improvement to the readability of your document. The detailed analysis is 4-6 pages with an in-depth analysis and rewriting suggestions, complete with examples of how the accessibility can be improved.

Terms of service:

• Both services are priced according to the word count of the original document requiring the assessment or report.

• The readability reports are only available with the readability assessment.

Rewrite/Editing:

• Rewrite sections to Plain Language.

• Restructure with Plain Language.

Formatting/Visual Charts:

• Visualise readability trends or scoring.

• Document formatting for optimum accessibility.

Readability Consultation (30 mins):

Walkthrough readability results via Zoom/Teams.

Coming in November 2025!

There will be four training options available.

• Brief overview (1 hour)

• Easy English text (3 hours)

• Easy English images (1.5 hours)

• Complete overview (5 hours)

Discounts are offered to group bookings of up to six participants.

Get membership to our LinkedIn group, "Beyond the workshop: Easy English Writers' Support".