Maryland is the latest state to eliminate the 10-codes in favor of using plain language to make it easier to communicate during emergencies and with other, non-police, departments. For example, instead of saying “10-46,” police will now say “disabled vehicle.” In addition to confusion over the codes themselves, not all police departments used the code […]
Plain Language Blog Articles
The power of words
The power of words to change how people hear a message. Change your words. Change your world. This short film is from a web content agency in the UK. See the video on YouTube for credits.
Plain language = more than words
This article on the role of pictures in health literacy underscores the fact that plain language is about more than just the words we use – it’s about the way we present information, too. Layout and design is just as important as language, and can have a huge effect on the usability of communications materials. […]
Center for Plain Language board members win awards
We don’t usually post information about our individual board members, but two recent awards merit mention. The Center and its members are so proud of these accomplishments!
Why blame the patient?
by Joanne Locke On March 1, the Washington Post published an article by Sandra Boodman’s on the need for clear health communication: “When Understanding is Critical” She describes the some serious problems that can result when patients don’t understand how to comply with their doctor’s instructions. But she seems to be blaming the victim. Rather […]