Language & Communication Support

Accessibility Standards Canada, under whose auspices this Standard has been produced, is a Government of Canada departmental corporation mandated through the Accessible Canada Act. Accessibility Standards Canada’s Standards contribute to the purpose of the Accessible Canada Act, which is to benefit all persons, especially persons with disabilities, through the realization of a Canada without barriers through the identification, removal, and prevention of accessibility barriers.

Now that you understand the basics, it’s time to build more skills. We will continue to keep the plain language definition in mind. “A communication is in plain language if its wording, structure, and design are so clear that the intended readers can easily find what they need, understand what they find, and use that information.” In this session, you will learn how to: · follow plain language structure and design principles, · increase your plain-speaking skills, and · test communications with audiences. To keep you going until the next session, we’ll challenge you with a few easy homework exercises. This session will be facilitated by Plain Language Specialists Debbie Denault and Kathy Ball.  

Understanding the basics is a great place for you to begin your plain language learning. We’re excited to work with you while you build on the knowledge and skills you already have.  The content for all three sessions is based on this internationally accepted definition of plain language.  “A communication is in plain language if its wording, structure, and design are so clear that the intended readers can easily find what they need, understand what they find, and use that information.”  In this session, you will learn how plain writing and speaking positively affect people. You will also learn how to:  Decide if a communication is plain,  Choose words your audiences will understand,  Follow plain language wording principles, and identify what your audiences need from you as a writer or speaker.  To keep you going until the next session, we’ll challenge you with a few easy homework exercises.  This session will be facilitated by Plain Language Specialists Debbie Denault and Kathy Ball.