Useful links

• Guidelines on writing plain English
• Handwriting

Guidelines on writing plain English

www.optimum-uk.com/Editor.html
Everyday English Editor is a software tool that enables users to paste text into the Editor window of a secure website. The Editor then shows the percentage of everyday words, based on its 17,500 word definition of everyday English. It also highlights non-everyday words and long sentences, making it easy to spot passages where readers may have difficulty. Useful for anyone preparing written material for adults with lower literacy levels.

www.idea-knowledge.gov.uk Many local authorities produce their own guidelines encouraging the use of plain English. These have been gathered together on the IDeA website. IDeA works in partnership with all councils, to enhance the performance of the best, accelerate the speed of improvement of the rest, and develop the sector as a whole. Information on the use of plain English by local government includes an article by brand expert John Simmons - www.idea-knowledge.gov.uk/idk/core/page.do?pageId=4457150.

Plain English Campaign The need for clear, simple, unbureaucratic language resulted in the creation of the Plain English Campaign, an organisation dedicated to working internationally to try to get public information written in plain English. Contact: Plain English Campaign, PO Box 3, New Mills, High Peak SK22 4QP. Tel: 01663 744409. Email: info@plainenglish.co.uk. Website: www.plainenglish.co.uk.

Handwriting

The National Handwriting Association (formerly the Handwriting Interest Group) works to improve handwriting standards and support children with difficulties. See www.nha-handwriting.org.uk. The group has produced Handwriting - Are you concerned?, a guide for parents, which costs £4.00. Ordering details are at www.nha-handwriting.org.uk/publish.htm.

Left 'n' Write Ltd provides resources, training and support for practitioners working to improve the handwriting of left-handed children.
Contact: Left 'n' Write Ltd, 5 Charles Street, Worcester WR1 2AQ. Tel: 01905 25798. Email: mail@lefthand-education.co.uk. Website: www.lefthand-education.co.uk.