Intellectual access
Can people easily understand what we offer and what we do, even if they have no previous knowledge of the subject?
Are different ways of learning taken into account?
Are people who are just learning the language taken into account?
There are many ways to support comprehension. Opening up the context of an issue or activity helps to get a full understanding of the subject. Providing information in multiple layers at different levels offers something for everyone, both those new to the subject and the expert. The use of plain language can often be justified. The use of different language options facilitates and enables understanding. Language-based information can be supplemented by other methods to support communication. For example, picture cards or bliss symbols can be used to support communication by clarifying or reinforcing what is being said.
Different levels of information and means of communication
- Provide background information.
- Provide opportunities to learn in different ways: by listening, watching and experimenting.
- Provide general, easy-to-understand and in-depth information.
- If you are using complex educational vocabulary, explain the meaning of the words in more general terms.
- Provide answers to the questions what, who, where, when, why.
- Include videos, subtitles, sign language interpretation and figurative interpretation.
- Hands-on activities, workshops and community projects offer more avenues for learning.
- Provide information in plain language.
- Explore methods of communication that replace speech or text, such as sign language, pictures or sign language. Support and materials are available from alternative communication practitioners, see for example Papunet's image bank and image tool: materials to support image communication (go to Papunet, in Finnish).
