Using Plain Language (Easy-to-Read) in Network Services

摘要

Plain language is language with simplified content, vocabulary and structures. Plain language material is useful to such groups as people with various disabilities (intellectual, autism, dysphasia), or people with reading and writing difficulties. When plain language is used in a network service also the user interface and structure of the service should be designed to be accessible. The accessibility instructions created by W3C (WCAG 2.0) are concerned as a standard for the industry [1] and many important principles from the standpoint of a plain language user are highlighted in these guidelines. Also other research exists on the use of the internet of cognitively disabled users [2] and several similarities can be found when this information is compared to principles of developing a plain language network service. Instructions or standards will not alone ensure accessible network service but also user experience is needed. For example W3C strongly recommends involving users with disabilities in to the evaluation process [3]. In recent years Papunet Web Service Unit has carried out several usability studies. The outcome of these tests is parallel to other studies which have shown that following the accessibility guidelines doesn't guarantee an accessible experience for users with cognitive disabilities [4].