Unlocking Understanding:

Making Government Information Easier for Everyone

This research project will evaluate the functional accessibility of what is broadly understood as Plain Language communication within federal government programs and services. It specifically addresses individuals with Level 0-1 literacy scores resulting from communication barriers related to disability.

Using a mixed methods participatory research approach the project addresses an observed gap in the current accessibility standards by providing empirical data on the accessibility of Plain Language as it is currently understood and applied. The project will also explore whether the format known as Easy Read (or other formats discovered during the research stage) provides greater access to communications for these users.

The project aims to ensure that low literacy users with disabilities are considered when accessible documents are produced and that the voices and experiences of people with disabilities are integral to the research and development of new communication standards that address these users.

Project Objectives

1. Assess assumptions around the functional accessibility of Plain language as the communication standard for individuals with barriers to communication such as intellectual/developmental disabilities and brain injuries.
2. Evaluate the current use of Plain Language in selected federal government communications (Disability Tax Credit, Canada Disability Benefit, Elections Canada, and Health Canada) to determine their accessibility for individuals with disabilities who have Level 0-1 literacy scores. The project will compare that level of accessibility to communications adapted to the Easy Read format.
3. Engage self-advocates with lived experience at every level of the research activities.
4. Develop and provide evidence-based recommendations to enhance communication standards to consider, as the rule rather than the exception, the access needs of individuals with low literacy scores.

We will engage a total of approximately 325 people (240 that identify as persons with disabilities). The project will be executed by a 5-member research team with 3 project partners and an 8-member advisory committee of self-advocates. 300 participants will complete surveys, focus groups, and/or interviews. The project is designed to address intersectionality by including women, visible minorities, Indigenous participants, newcomers to Canada, seniors, youth, the 2SLGBTQI community, and people living in language minority communities. Some of these roles and identities are expected to overlap.

Project Outcomes

Short term outcomes include raised awareness of the needs of disabled people with low literacy and their use of accessible communications written in Plain Language (as broadly defined and practiced). This awareness will be built within federal government services and agencies as well as with plain language practitioners across sectors.

In the long-term we hope to see the plain language community considering populations with low literacy as a regular component of their practice.

Outputs

1. Develop a Plain Language Decision-Making Framework that will help stakeholders evaluate and implement plain language principles that are accessible to all regardless of literacy level.
2. A Plain Language for Low Literacy Users Guidelines Document will detail the standards, principles, and processes for adapting what is currently understood to be Plain Language to serve low literacy users.
3. Scoring or Assessment Tools will be developed to evaluate text for compliance with the proposed plain language standards adapted for low literacy users.
4. Recommendations will be produced in the form of a concise document advocating for the adoption of a functionally accessible plain language framework aimed at accessibility standards organizations and Plain Language practitioners.

Findings and recommendations for best practices will be disseminated to government, accessibility organizations, and communication practitioners in the public and private sector. Research team members will attend conferences to network with other researchers and practitioners and to share the findings of the research project. Channels for feedback on the research will be developed with the intention of refining approaches to ensure they meet the needs of users in various contexts.

This project will be publicly announced, and the project findings published, in both English and French. Elements of the project including calls for research participants, data collection materials, and findings will be translated and disseminated across appropriate networks in both English and French.

Project Lead:

Alexandria Stuart

Manager of Community-Led Research and Discovery for Clay Tree Society

mobile: 250-713-1837

www.claytree.org

Project Partners

BC Self-Advocate Leadership Network (BCSALN) will aid in recruiting the Advisory Committee, research team members, and general research participants. They may assist by providing mentorship to self-advocates in the research process. Their expertise will also aid in the development of data gathering tools and their members may provide assistance in the feedback and validation phase of the project. Critically, members of the Self-Advocate Leadership Network will be instrumental in providing feedback to inform the development of new standard recommendations. Throughout the project BCSALN will assist in ensuring that a safe and inclusive environment is maintained.

Literacy Central Vancouver Island (LCVI) will aid in the areas of literacy and reading comprehension assessment and translation. They will support the recruitment of research participants through their current clients with disabilities and their provincial and national networks. Their expertise may also aid the development of data gathering tools and analysis of the findings. They will provide assistance informing the development of new standard recommendations.

Nanaimo Association for Community Living (NACL) is expected to aid in recruiting for general research participants and mentors as well as for the research team. They may provide assistance in various phases including literature review and methodology development, data collection and analysis, and output development. They may also assist in the development of data gathering tools. Their feedback will help to inform the development of new standard recommendations. Throughout the project NACL will also provide assistance fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all activities.

Funding for this project has been made available by
Accessibility Standards Canada / the Government of Canada.