How to Develop a Plain Language Website
Step1: Use trusted federal and state level sources to collect information for content creation. Step 2: Use plain language and website design tools to ensure that information is easy to understand, and website is easy to navigate. Step 3: Use online readability tools to ensure website content is written at lower grade levels for better comprehension. Step 4: Consult translation services to make your content available to a broader population. Step 5: Beta test your website with potential users. Recruit individuals from your target audience and test your content and website with them. Step 6: Launch your website and update frequently. Federal level resourcesAdditional resources
Please consult your local community literacy centers for additional support and resources for communicating health information with your audience. |
Developing a plain language website workflow (click the image below for a larger view)
Other Resources
- Article about The Duke Endowment grant funding
- Information about health literacy from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Plain language information and training from the National Institutes of Health
- American Medical Association video about health literacy
- AHRQ Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit
- National Assessment of Adult Literacy