Text simplification and the dilemmas of accessibility

This paper evaluates two methods of designing accessible text. Plain Language (PL) is a simpler variety intended for all readers. Easy Language (EL) is a linguistically simplified variety for readers with various reading difficulties. The literature identifies eight text accessibility conditions: texts should be retrievable, navigable, perceptible and comprehensible; text information should be linkable, pertinent, complete, and actionable. However, EL and PL guidelines focus primarily on perceptibility and comprehensibility and less on the other six conditions. Analysis of EL and PL revisions reveals that, besides simplifying a text, revisers often delete and add information. A review of empirical tests of revisions shows positive comprehension effects for PL and mixed results for EL: EL revisions that delete and add information are more successful than purely stylistic simplifications. The discussion highlights two accessibility dilemmas: incompatibilities between accessibility conditions and complexities involved in designing a variety for a small, diverse group.