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Easy Read Standards
Purpose
Easy Read standards exist to establish a consistent and measurable benchmark for Easy Read quality. Without standards, the term "Easy Read" can be applied to documents of widely varying quality, undermining its credibility and effectiveness as an accessibility tool.
Scope
Easy Read standards apply to any entity producing or commissioning Easy Read documents. In New Zealand, Whaikaha — the Ministry for Disabled People, is leading work to develop alternate format standards for New Zealand government information, including work relevant to Easy Read. This work is still underway, and the standards have not yet been finalised. Internationally, standards are informed by Inclusion Europe's Easy-to-Read Guidelines and other national frameworks. Standards may vary across jurisdictions.
Components
The criteria described on this page reflect Volition's approach to producing Easy Read content. Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People is currently developing alternate format standards for government information in New Zealand, including work relevant to Easy Read. These standards are still under development and have not yet been finalised or published.
Sentence length guidelines: typically no more than 10–15 words per sentence
Vocabulary restrictions: preference for common, everyday words; technical terms must be explained
Image pairing: a supporting image or symbol for each key concept or page
Layout requirements: left-aligned text, large font (minimum 14pt), generous line spacing
Reading level targets: typically equivalent to a reading age of 9–11 years
Structure guidelines: numbered sections, clear headings, one idea per page or section
Outputs
A verification framework that allows producers, commissioners, and reviewers to determine whether a document genuinely meets the Easy Read threshold and is appropriate for use with the Easy Read audience.
Relationships
Easy Read Standards constrain Easy Read (they define what Easy Read is)
Easy Read Standards guide the process of Reviewing Easy Read
Easy Read Standards are applied by Human Powered Translation specialists
DIY Easy Read is built to meet Easy Read Standards
Easy Read Standards distinguish Easy Read from Plain Language
Authority and Intellectual Property
In New Zealand, Easy Read standards are maintained by Whaikaha — the Ministry for Disabled People. Internationally, Inclusion Europe and the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) publish relevant guidance. Standards are not proprietary to any commercial entity.
Version control
First published:
Last reviewed:
18 June 2026 at 12:44:48 am
27 July 2026 at 9:53:06 am