Easy English - an introduction

This workshop will provide you with an introduction to the basic skills in writing documents in Easy English for people with non-functional literacy.  Techniques to make your written language accessible will be explored. You will have the opportunity to put this knowledge into practise, with the expert assistance of the trainer. Other aspects of developing your document into Easy English will be introduced.

Content includes:

• Plain Language, Easy English – what is the difference
• Resources currently available
• Easy English Writing Style Guide and checklist
• Overview of all aspects of development of Easy English
• Practise in developing your written language to Easy English.

Bring a document with you. You will have the opportunity to begin development of your own document into Easy English. This will ensure you get the best results from the day.

Audience

This workshop is relevant for people who write information for their staff or customers, such as policy documents, handbooks, manuals, plans, posters, brochures, flyers, newsletters and content for the web. It also provides an overview for managers to gain an understanding of the skills and resources required to implement Easy English strategy in a workplace.

Presenter

Merrin Hurse 

Merrin is a speech pathologist at Scope’s Communication Resource Centre. Merrin works with adults who have complex communication needs and is passionate about people with limited literacy having access to information. Merrin is highly skilled at developing Easy English documents and delivering training on how to make written information accessible. Merrin has worked with government, local councils and other organisations to translate their information into accessible formats. This includes working with many people with limited literacy skills to ensure Easy English documents are accessible.