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You can download a PDF copy of the Plain English Guide here.

Know who you are writing for. Use language your audience will understand.

Here are some steps to help make your writing clear and simple.

1. Know your audience

Know who you are writing for. Use language your audience will understand.

2. Start with a clear purpose

Be clear about what you want to say and why it is important.

3. Use simple words

Choose words that are familiar and easy to understand. Avoid jargon, technical terms, or complex language. Explain any complex words you need to use.

4. Have short sentences and paragraphs

Keep sentences short. Aim for an average of 15-20 words or less per sentence. Use short paragraphs.

5. Be direct

Get straight to the point. Clearly state your main ideas. Only explain things that your readers need to know.

6. Be active, not passive

Use the active voice to make your writing more direct and clear. For example, "The team completed the project" is clearer than "The project was completed by the team."

7. Give examples

Use examples to show what you mean.

8. Be organised

Present information in a logical order. Use headings, bullet points, and lists. People are more likely to understand and remember your content if it's well organised.

9. Check the reading level

Use tools like the Flesch-Kincaid Readability Test to check how easy it is to read your text. Aim for an early high-school reading level or lower for general audiences.

10. Test with your audience

Share your draft with someone from your target audience. Ask them whether they were able to read and understand the content.

11. Edit and revise

Review your writing for clarity. Remove words that are not needed. Make sentences simple.

12. Seek feedback

Get feedback from peers and people you work with. You might be too involved in what you've written to see it clearly. Others often have helpful insights.

13. Pay attention to tone

Use a friendly tone. Don't be overly formal or technical unless necessary.

14. Keep learning

Keep improving your plain English writing skills. Stay open to feedback. Be willing to adjust your style and approach.

Following these guidelines will help you write information that is easily understood. Plain English writing is about communicating with all readers. Use simple, everyday language to help everyone understand your information better.

1800 RESPECT

If you experience violence or abuse you can contact 1800 RESPECT for support and counselling.
Call 1800 737 732 or go to the 1800 RESPECT website to chat with someone online (external link).

‍To contact 1800RESPECT via SMS, text ‘HELLO’ or any greeting to 0458 737 732 to start the conversation.

Professional development hub

The professional development hub offers several courses for people who support or work with women, girls, feminine identifying and non-binary people with disabilities. Covering topics such as strength-based case management, domestic and family violence, trauma-informed advocacy, and more! Each course has been co-designed with women with disabilities. Sign up or log in to access the Professional development hub.

Find out more

Resources.

May 13, 2024

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Patricia Giles Centre for Non-Violence

You have rights - Easy Read

A guide for women with disability experiencing family and domestic violence.

Check resource

May 13, 2024

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Patricia Giles Centre for Non-Violence

Your rights

A guide for women with disability and mothers of children with disability who have experience of family and domestic violence.

Check resource

May 7, 2024

|

Disability Advocacy Network Australia

Find an Advocate

Tools and information to help you find advocacy services in your state or territory.

Check resource

May 7, 2024

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Touching Base

Booklets For People With Disability

Resources and information for people with disability about seeing a sex worker.

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Plain English

Writing in plain English means using clear and simple language to communicate. This guide explains how to write in plain English.

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