Accessibility
You can choose how you read this information.
Different people need different kinds of support.
Make reading easier
Choose “Make reading easier” near the top of any page.
- Make the text larger.
- Choose a page colour.
- Turn high contrast on or off.
- Choose “Reset reading settings” to return to the usual view.
You can also use your browser’s zoom.
Choose how much to read
Guides start with short sentences and pictures.
Choose “More detail” for a longer explanation.
Choose “Hide pictures” if you want words on their own.
You can print the section you are reading.
Find your way around
“Home”, “All topics” and “Help using this site” are near the top of every page.
You can search using a few words. Search can help with some common spelling mistakes.
Results appear in small groups. Choose “Show more results” when you are ready.
You can use the keyboard to move between links and buttons. An outline shows which one you have reached.
The “Skip to content” link takes you past the menu.
Pages are designed to fit smaller screens and larger text.
Choose a comfortable colour
The usual page colour is cream, with dark text.
You can choose pale blue, soft peach, pale lavender, pale mint or white.
There is no one colour that works for everyone. Try a colour and keep the one you prefer.
These choices may make reading more comfortable. They are not a treatment for dyslexia or visual stress, sometimes called Irlen syndrome.
“High contrast” gives you black text on white.
Choosing a page colour turns high contrast off.
Listen to a guide
- Open a guide and choose the section you want.
- Choose “Listen to this section”.
- Choose “Stop listening” when you want it to stop.
Changing section or leaving the guide also stops it.
Voices and availability depend on your browser or device.
Worksheets
Answer boxes have labels to tell you what to write.
You can download your answers as a text file or print them.
You can also print a blank worksheet and write on it.
Check your answers have saved before closing or reloading the page.
Remembering your choices
Where your browser allows it, this device remembers your page colour, larger text and contrast choices.
Your picture choice lasts while you keep this page open and move between guides.
Choose “Reset reading settings” to return to the usual view.
When words and pictures are not enough
Easy Read does not suit everyone, including some people with profound and multiple learning disabilities. Use the person’s own way of communicating and seek individual advice from a speech and language therapist. Familiar objects, sounds or other communication support may help.
Linked websites may have different accessibility features. Use their accessibility information if you need a different format.
If something is difficult to use
You can also give feedback to explain what is difficult.