Easy Read Should Be Easy—Not Childish

At IC Works, we know that Easy Read documents should be clear, accessible, and respectful. But too often, Easy Read materials rely on cartoonish imagery and child-like design choices—a style that many assume is necessary but can actually feel patronising to the adults who rely on these documents.

Our experts by experience, who help us co-produce Easy Read documents, tell us that overly childish imagery and language can feel insulting. They may need information in a simplified format, but that doesn’t mean they should be treated as children.

The Problem with Cartoonish Easy Read

Many Easy Read documents—especially those produced without direct input from people with lived experience—default to a style that looks more like a children’s book than a serious information resource. The assumption seems to be that simple language and comprehension difficulties require child-friendly visuals.

But our expert panel challenges this idea. Most Easy Read documents are created for adults—whether they relate to healthcare, employment, social services, or legal rights. Using excessively childish visuals can undermine the reader’s dignity and make them feel talked down to.

Easy Read That Respects the Reader

At IC Works, we take a different approach. When selecting images for Easy Read documents, our panel carefully avoids condescending visuals. Instead, we:

·         Use realistic and relatable images – Photographs, clear diagrams, and respectful illustrations can work just as well, without infantilising the reader.

·         Choose imagery that enhances understanding – The right image should support the message, not distract from it or create an unintended tone.

·         Respect the audience – Our experts remind us: “We are not children. We do not need to be treated as if we are.”

Easy Read is about simplifying language, not simplifying people. The documents we create are designed to be clear, professional, and respectful, ensuring that readers feel valued—not patronised.

Children’s Easy Read is Different

Of course, there is a place for child-friendly Easy Read materials—but that’s a different discipline altogether. The key is understanding the audience. An adult reading an Easy Read document about their healthcare or legal rights shouldn’t feel like they’re reading a picture book.

At ic-works, our experts would never let us produce a document that talks down to the reader—and that’s why organisations trust us to create Easy Read materials that treat their audience with respect.

Need an Easy Read document that gets it right?

Get in touch with us to ensure your information is clear, accessible, and always dignified.