5 frameworks that guide (and inspire!) our plain language work

At Literacy Works, we see our plain language work deeply connected to advancing social justice. Here is a very quick overview of several frameworks that influence and ground our work (in no particular order). 

Universal design 

Universal design means making spaces (this includes physical spaces, online spaces, processes, etc.) that can be used and accessed by as many people as possible in everyday situations. Examples in communication: 

• Using easy to read fonts with plenty of space on a page 

• Using jargon wisely and explaining it well when it is needed 

• Using strong contrast between colors  

Learn more at the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design website.

Cultural humility 

The idea that our identities impact how we move through the world.  When we have power in situations, it is our responsibility to reflect, reduce those power differences over others, and make systems that work better for all people.  Examples in communication: 

• Using images that connect with your audience while avoiding stereotypes 

• Using non-gendered language if it is not relevant (chairman --> chair)  

• Use examples that are meaningful for your audience 

Learn more at the Culturally Connected website, a comprehensive Canadian resource.

Popular education 

Ideas made popular by Paulo Freire (and later bell hooks and others) that tie education to social change and challenge power in traditional learning settings. Examples in communication: 

• Working with community members to incorporate their questions and solutions into a presentation 

• Creating a program handbook that is guided by the knowledge of community members  

• Making learning experiences that value the perspectives of all involved 

Read Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed and bell hooks’ Teaching to Transgress to dive deeper. 

Design justice

This framework “rethinks design processes, centers people who are normally marginalized by design, and uses collaborative, creative practices to address the deepest challenges our communities face.” Examples in communication: 

• Reflecting on who benefits from processes (meetings happen in the morning, but evenings work better for participants) 

• Reframing a topic from blaming language to a systemic issue (poor diet vs. lack of access to affordable fresh food) 

Learn more from the Design Justice Network at designjustice.org. 

Trauma-informed practice  

A human-services approach that recognizes the impact of trauma on peoples' bodies, brains, and lives, and works to create spaces of healing and well-being, including in processes and systems. Examples in communications: 

• Having clear signage about where to go in a space 

• Letting people in an online training know what to expect and choices they have in how to engage (online chat, unmute, group notes, etc.) 

• Letting people know how long a process will take 

Learn more from the Trauma Informed Care Implementation Resource Center.

Clear Language Lab Cheat Sheets are brief summaries of foundational topics we talk about often at the Clear Language Lab. Questions or errors you want to report? Contact Tiara Whitlock, Program Manager, at tiara@litworks.org.

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