What a week!
We all had late nights and early mornings working hard on the Access for All Conference.
Access for All: Plain Language is a Civil Right, is a virtual conference dedicated to using plain language to break down barriers in society. This was originally supposed to be the Clarity2020 conference hosted by Clarity International and the Center for Plain Language, but once they realized COVID wasn't going away anytime soon, they split the conference into two events, one in October 2020, and one in May 2021. Then PLAIN was asked to join as the third host of the event since we had no idea if the pandemic would effect their conference plans for 2021. Thankfully they were on board!
Susan was the Conference Chair and needed all hands on deck. As Chair of the Center for Plain Language, Barbra was a natural choice to be the moderator/host of the virtual event. Naomi joined the committed as the Executive Director for the Center for Plain Language, and helped out with all things related to Communications and Web related (even designing the conference site and manning the Tech Support Inbox).
We were so proud to work with other wonderful volunteers from the Center for Plain Language, Clarity International, and PLAIN, from the U.S. and around the world. And who could forget the behind the scenes crew from Message Makers who masterfully handled the technical details that made this an accessible and delightful conference for all!
The conference was split into 5 themes
PLAIN LANGUAGE AND OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE ACCESS FOR ALL
COVID-19 and BLM dominate the headlines of 2020. But the deeper story is one of access. Who has it? Who needs it? How do we get it to everyone? As practitioners, we have a responsibility to increase access: to information, to justice, and to health care.
USING PLAIN LANGUAGE TO IMPROVE THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
Navigating the legal complexities in the criminal justice system is no easy task, and those who don’t have access suffer. Join us as we hear from those who have used plain language to improve access to justice.
USING PLAIN LANGUAGE TO PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF VULNERABLE POPULATIONS
Not every vulnerable population experiences the same barriers. We must consider all vulnerabilities and look for the most appropriate plain language tools and techniques. Learn about different populations and the different projects that can help protect their rights.
CELEBRATING WHEN PLAIN LANGUAGE SUCCEEDS
10th anniversary of the U.S. Plain Writing Act
International Plain Language Standards
A Country’s Plain Language Story
ClearMark Awards
AN INTERNATIONAL CASE STUDY: USING PLAIN LANGUAGE TO AFFECT THE OUTCOME OF THE HEALTH CRISIS COVID-19
Explore the variety of ways public officials have discussed COVID-19 and how their style of communication has impacted public health—for good or for ill.
There were so many wonderful conversations that brought new insight to the work we do daily. We can't wait to see what the May Event will bring!
