CalInnovate Toolkit

Explore

CalInnovate Toolkit

CalInnovate Toolkit

Plain language

Plain language standard

Plain language guidance

Plain language resources

This is a proof of concept. See
`GitBook`⁠
for source of truth - 9/15/2023

Plain language ensures equal access to information. It helps Californians:

In general

With limited English

With intellectual and developmental disabilities

Plain language lets people read with less effort. It reduces frustration and makes it easier for people to access services. People also trust information that’s easy to understand.

19% of Californians say they speak English “

less than very well⁠

.” 44% of Californians over the age of 5 speak a language other than English at home. In these homes, kids sometimes translate content for their parents. Plain language makes this easier. Machine translations of plain language content are also more accurate.

Plain language reduces the workload of state staff. Examples include less:

Phone calls

In-person appointments

Data collection errors

⁠