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Factsheet
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When you are producing information for
people with an intellectual disability, the following steps
may be useful
1. Decide on the
target group and consider their level of support
needs.
2. Decide on the
purpose of producing the information, for example
to:
- inform for future
reference
- ask for a response
- remind people of an
event
3. Choose the most
appropriate medium; print, sound, visual or a combination,
considering:
- the support needs of the target
group
- the purpose of the
material
- the length and complexity of the
material
- how prepared / interested people
are to engage in the information
- availability of appropriate
support, if required and willingness of 'supporters' to
use the chosen medium.
4. Consider the
content
- find out what the information
needs are of the target group
- make the content concrete with
experiences relevant to the target group, avoid abstract
concepts;
- balance the length and depth of
information with what people are willing and able to
engage in.
- Beware of people deciding it is
too long, too boring or too hard to finish.
- Use dialogue / words that treat
people with respect
5. Consultation is
Crucial
Consulting with people who
are part of the target group is very important in
producing materials for people with an intellectual
disability, this could be individually or as a focus
group
If possible consult throughout the
process, but at the least consult people in the target
group when the material is at a draft stage.
In your consultation – check
that the main message you want to convey is what is
received. Could the message be presented more simply or
clearly, both in regards to presentation and
content.
Some points to
consider when producing information in different
mediums.
Optimum information retention
is achieved by using a range of media. The most effective
way is always face to face communication, but when this
is not possible thoughtfully produced materials are very
useful.
Print -
Brochures/Factsheets etc
- Size of print should be 14 or 16
point minimum.
- Font should be clear and easy to
read.
- Spacing is important, do not make
the wording dense
- Headings help focus and clarify
the information.
- Short sentences are a
must
- Writing in point form is clearer
and easier to read.
- Pictures and illustrations must be
relevant. They should match the words to assist with the
content and can cue what the message is about. If money
permits illustrations or photos which tell a story are
preferred.
- When printing on colour paper
remember that black writing on lighter colour paper is
easier to read.
Posters
- A single message is all it
needs.
- Bright and striking but not too
busy.
- A clear picture with people images
either photos or drawings.
- Picture must match and be clear to
the words and message.
- Large print, easy to read and
plain language.
Video/DVD
- Video is an excellent medium to
use.
- The characters in the video should
be people with whom the target group can
identify.
- Ensure the stories are not too
long and that there are easy places to pause for
discussion.
Audio
Cassettes
- Supported by written or visual
material is best.
- Clear voices are a
must.
- Speak at a pace that is not too
fast and enables people to follow the written or visual
material.
- Use dialogue between two or three
people to tell a story
- Keep it simple 2 or 3 voices and 1
concept.
For further
information
Legal Advice available between 2pm
- 5pm weekdays
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