Easy Read accessible communications
Easy Read format for accessible communications
Ensures public information is accessible to everyone.
CDS can translate even the most complex information into easy-to-read and easy-to-understand language, and help you satisfy all your accessibility duties.
We can help you deliver messaging in a straightforward accessible format, including large print versions, translation to any language (including Braille) and presentation of information on audio disc.
CDS has developed two Easy-Read styles. A style for people with learning disabilities, presenting key points in simple language supported by colourful images for people to read alone or with a helper; and a low-literacy style presenting information in clear, easy-to-understand words supported by bespoke illustrations. Both styles can be quickly and simply transformed into accessible PDFs for website use.
The easy read consultation questionnaire to develop our Equality Objectives and the subsequent booklet in easy read were excellent. The tailored pictures and content has improved our communication with our patients, and we were pleased with [CDS’] expertise and knowledge of producing information that could be easily read by a wide range of people.
Lesley Soden, Head of Equality & Human Rights
Central London Community Healthcare
PictoComm® pictorial communications
Improving patient care
PictoComm® is a communications tool developed by CDS and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust in response to the difficulties faced by both patients and healthcare practitioners when communication is or becomes a barrier.
Presented in a book format, PictoComm® consists of over 100 bespoke illustrations to which patients can point to, to help them communicate their basic needs. The illustrative style ensures that all patients, regardless of their spoken language or ability, are able to receive the best care possible at a time when they will be feeling most vulnerable.
We chose to make PictoComm™ available to everyone, thereby ensuring accessibility for all our patients.
Barbara Hay
Head of Equality and Diversity, UHCW NHS Trust
Our work
Our services
We are very pleased with the Easy-Read document both in terms of content and presentation. It is of excellent quality.
Amy Lewis, Policy and Performance Manager
Greater Manchester Police
