This article is going to cover the ‘business’ aspects of Easy Read documentation from a provider’s perspective.

Before we go there though, let's just cover the compliance requirements. It's imperative to have communication to NDIS participants in language and modes they can understand. To make sure you understand this, the 45 page NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators has the following quote (or small variation) listed at least 12 times when referring to communications to participants.

“in the language, mode of communication and terms that the participant is most likely to understand.”

Translation – you must prove that you understand your participants enough to provide them with information that makes sense to them.

Here are some examples of how this could be achieved.

Figure 1 - Easy Read example - text Only

Figure 2 - Easy Read example - with picture

What's good for your customers is also good for your staff and should be mandatory practice.

Here are 4 reasons why:

1. Less words = easier to understand

Using less words means you must get to the point, but this also makes Easy Reads way easier to understand. Check out the Australian government’s guide on writing style and how you should aim for an age 9 reading level.

2. Pictures have universal appeal

Visual cues can shorten the time to get a message across. Think of all the little icons on the dashboard of a car. The little fuel bowser light lets you know when you’re low on fuel and that you should fill up. This universal symbol means no words are required. There are downsides as finding the right picture can take some time but using pictures may better suit the demographics of your workforce. English may not be the first language for your staff.

3. Portability increases visibility

‘Back in the day’ it used to be common practice to print out your policy manuals and have them in binders that you would hope your staff would read. The downside was this took a lot of effort, so we evolved to putting up posters in work locations to remind workers of important issues. Ever tried to make a poster from a 45-page policy manual? Might be a lot easier from an easy read version.

4. Better compliance = more efficient business

This should be obvious but let me just spell this out. Workers doing things compliantly actually saves you money. Yes, it helps to avoid possible fines, but more importantly reduces rework and downstream remediation activity. A more efficient business has funds to invest in things like acquiring new customers, improving current offerings, looking into hiring new staff and expanding service offerings.

Are you looking for Easy Read documents for participants? Enquire about Centro PROFESSIONAL today to access our growing library of Easy Reads, as well as the content you need for NDIS registration or renewal.

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