Institute of Internal Communication

As former publications and editorial manager at the Disability Rights Commission, Katie Grant is only too aware of the importance of producing inclusive and accessible information. Now running her own consultancy, Katie advises businesses and other organisations on how to incorporate accessibility into their information and communication design and provision.

As businesses and as consumers ourselves, we are constantly bombarded by information. Technology is advancing at such a rate that it is often difficult to stay abreast of the different formats and channels through which information is delivered and received. Information is everywhere and as members of society we are expected to understand and absorb its contents, almost without question.

While we may be aware of the impact the web has had on the design and delivery of information, this may not be the case for printed formats. Despite the advances in web accessibility and design, many consumers still expect to receive information in a more tangible format. This being the case, how much consideration is given to print from an accessibility perspective?

Information is produced and disseminated by most organisations. Whilst the content may be informative, many people may not be able to read or access the information due to the design, language, layout and typeface used. As former publications and editorial manager at the Disability Rights Commission, it was my job to ensure that documents were designed as clearly and as simply as possible.

Although I was producing documents primarily for disabled people, it became clear to me over time that accessibility should not be something that is marginalised and constricted to this audience alone. Surely the right to receive accessibly-designed information should be a fundamental requirement for everyone?

How many times do we come across literature that is difficult to read? This is often down, first and foremost, to the typeface, which is frequently far too small and uses a serif font. To explain briefly, serif fonts tend to have strokes at the end of letters and symbols, which can make them difficult to read.

So, if you combine a nine-point text size with a serif font you are already creating a barrier to reading and ultimately understanding the contents. If you then go on to cram text into a busily-designed page, running words over pictures or photographs then the content will become almost impossible to read.

The most eloquent and carefully constructed sentence will be completely lost on the reader. All the hard work writing what was supposed to be a key piece of marketing material or policy document could be wasted.

By following some very simple guidelines, businesses and other organisations can improve their approach to producing information very easily. Although some designers might balk at using a larger text size, most will not and should see the benefits in producing information which is clear and easy to understand. When it comes to actual content, try and keep sentences short and to the point.

Approach the subject as if you yourself were reading it and knew nothing. What are the key pieces of information you need to include? Take out any unnecessary jargon – if you need to include technical terms then supply a glossary of terms so everyone can understand them.

As we develop into a society that is set to include an ever increasing ageing population, it is imperative that clear content and display of information is at the forefront of information design.

These people will increasingly become the main consumers and audience you will need to reach. By improving accessibility of information, businesses and other organisations will not only improve their communications delivery but also contribute significantly to society as a whole.

To find out more about improving access in design of information, book onto the CiB course ‘Making Information Accessible’ which is running in April and October. Places are limited so please try and book as early as possible.

Katie Grant is director of Raincharm Communications Limited, an independent consultancy providing a range of production/management services including practical advice and training on how to produce information more accessibly.

As former publications and editorial manager at the Disability Rights Commission, Katie has extensive experience in designing and developing accessibly produced information and is an expert in the writing, design and production of easy read materials, including audio. Clients include RADAR, Employers Forum on Disability, Imperial War Museum North, Communicators in Business and the TUC.

E-mail: Katie@raincharm.co.uk