What is plain language and how does it help people with disabilities?

One of the best ways to ensure that information and instructions are available to those who may have intellectual, learning, or developmental disabilities is to use plain language writing in documents and literature.

The federal government passed the Plain Writing Act of 2010 to require that government agencies provide paperwork and documentation in “clear, concise, well-organized” language.

By sharing documents in plain language, ASAN and other organizations provide information so that people with autism, intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, and those whose learning disabilities affect their reading comprehension can advocate for their own civil rights, healthcare access, and more.

To learn more about plain language writing along with plenty of related resources, check out our article How Plain Language Writing Can Help Your Child Become a Self-Advocate.