Welcome to the Plain Language Series, where we will be exploring the concept of plain language and how its core principles can be used to support readers of all levels. 

In Part 1, we will take a closer look at the big picture concept of plain language and the settings in which it might be used.

While we will be spending a good portion of this series talking about plain language as an accommodation for people with specific needs pertaining to reading comprehension, the concept of plain language is focused on a broader goal of making complicated concepts easier to understand to a wider audience. 

In fact, the US government mandates plain writing in writing the law and certain forms of government communication. There is an entire website explaining the history and guidelines around plain language and the Plain Writing Act, and many agencies have their own further guidance.

Plain language, as a broad concept, emphasizes more simplified and direct language to make complex topics more accessible to the average reader. While guidelines for plain writing can vary in their specificity and focus, some themes that come up frequently include:

• Direct, active, and descriptive language when possible

• Reducing “jargon”

• Using common, everyday words

• Emphasizing organization and readability

Plain language goes beyond basic consideration of a reading audience with a more intentional focus on sticking to those guidelines and prioritizing plain language first.

Plain language can have a variety of uses, but the reason it is so important in government communication is that the law mandates the use of plain language in laws and government documents. But plain language is not limited to its legal uses. 

Organizations may choose to communicate to the public in plain language, and it can sometimes be a helpful tool for making broadly complicated topics more accessible. It can be used across a variety of settings and even as a communication guideline for people who want to write with a specific style or purpose. 

Plain language principles can also be used in special education settings or to support readers for whom some forms of writing are inaccessible.

Plain language is an effective tool in an educational setting, as it can be both a helpful way to more straightforwardly explain complex topics and a helpful organizational tool for writers. 

Plain language resources sometimes include special guidelines for writing or converting texts for low literacy readers that fall under the umbrella of plain language, but tend to implement additional strategies to make ideas more accessible. 

While there is considerable overlap between these concepts, it may require additional effort and consideration to implement guidelines focused on low literacy readers. It is worth noting the distinction so that when the time comes, you have the information you need to offer the right resource to meet a given student’s needs!

We will be taking a closer look at both forms of plain language in this series, but in the meantime, we would love to hear your thoughts, suggestions, and experiences in creating your own resources! Just drop us a line at hello@autismgrownup.com and stay tuned for Part 2, where we will take a closer look at the core concepts of plain language.