Thread by @semispeaking

I would love for people to stop framing requests for plain language as a personal criticism or a burden.

There is a difference between “You write way too academically,” and “I’m having trouble understanding this, could you please put it into less academic language?” (1/5)

Plain language is often a disability accommodation. I am developmentally disabled, I have difficulty with reading and with understanding abstract concepts. I want to be able to access the same information as everyone else, but sometimes need help doing so. (2/5)

But I often see people react negatively towards being asked to explain something in plain language, as if it’s a criticism of them or their writing, or an unfair burden on them.

Sometimes people comment on academic language to derail a point, but many requests are genuine (3/5)

So what should you do if someone asks? Plain language writing is a skill, and it’s okay if you don’t feel confident. Your best try is okay. Or if you really can’t, you can say, “I’m not able to right now, but if someone else can help, that would be great.” (4/5)

Plain language is an accommodation, just like captions or image descriptions or anything else. When I ask someone for plain language, it’s because I value what they have to say and am putting trust in them to not respond badly. Whether you can help or not, please be kind. (5/5)

(End note: This is not directed at or in response to anyone who I have recently interacted with asking for plain language, it is just related to several general posts I have seen)

Before you comment on this post to share all the reasons why being asked for plain language is a trauma trigger: I ask that you process through that on your own time separately, rather than in the mentions of someone who relies on plain language for access.

For people who want to learn more about plain language, you can learn about it and see examples here: pudding.cool/2022/02/plain/ Plain language is usually considered to be around a 6th grade reading level.