I agree Julie. I would say, that it is not only just ideal, but more of 
a best practice to assess the target group before developing any 
message and test after the development. It is following these two steps 
that help us make sure the message is clear, acceptable, and reflective 
of cultural nuances  for  the audience.  We are an organization that 
supports these and other best practices in developing plain language, 
health literacy appropriate messages and educational programs for 
diverse audiences. Although I am not familiar with the mentioned 
software  and do not know how helpful it is. Still, you are right there 
are many  factors besides simplifying or reducing the amount of text 
even for the general population.



Aracely Rosales,
Plain Language and Culture, Inc.
510 Carpenter Lane
Philadelphia, PA 19119
P. 215-849-0545
F. 215-849-1601
Member of the Clear Language Group
www.clearlanguagegroup.com
www.plculture.org


On Jun 27, 2006, at 12:30 PM, Julie McKinney wrote:


> I would caution that even if there are programs out there to convert

> documents to plainer language, one still needs to assess the intended

> audience in order to create an appropriate health education document.

> Other issues besides literacy level need to be addressed, such as

> culture and frame of reference, and ideally the document would be 

> tested

> with the target audience. There are plain language organizations that

> can help with this.

>

> Julie

>

> Julie McKinney

> Discussion List Moderator

> World Education/NCSALL

> jmckinney at worlded.org

>

>

>>>> librarian2006 at yahoo.com 06/27 11:09 AM >>>

>> From another listserv this question has arisen, I have seen a lot of

> discussion about how to make materials that are easier to read, is 

> there

> a software out there?

>   Christina Seeger, MLS

>

>   Question:

> Is anyone aware of software which will convert a document into easier

> to read language? Someone has a patient education document about birth

>

> control and Plan B, but wants to lower the readability level of the

> document. All suggestions are welcome.

>

> -- 

> Pat

> *********************************************************************

> Patricia A. Auflick

> Arizona Health Sciences Library

> 1501 N. Campbell Ave

> Box 24-5079

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> (520) 626-6770

> (520) 626-2922 fax

> pauflick at ahsl.arizona.edu

> *********************************************************************

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