Upon the International Easy-to-Read Day its ambassador, Human Rights Ombudsman Peter Svetina, again calls on the state administrative and local self-governing bodies and different administrative institutions to prepare texts as understandably as possible when communicating with citizens, and to dedicate special attention to the accessibility of information in an easy-to-read form. The latter is composed of information that is easy to find, easy to read, and easy to understand.

“Easy-to-read information for all is a human right to which we are bound by the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,” underlines the Ombudsman. Information prepared this way is intended primarily for people with mental health problems and other impairments in understanding who are frequently discriminated against and disadvantaged in accessing information in everyday life. Such information can also be of great help to other groups, such as the elderly and less literate.

If official institutions adapt their communication and in doing so consider the principle of easy reading, they not only respect the dignity of people faced with challenges in the field of reading and understanding different texts but they also enable them to realise their right to participation. “Everyone can participate in the formation of society according to their own capabilities. May it be inclusive for all,” adds Ombudsman Svetina.

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Human Rights Ombudsman Peter Svetina became the easy reading ambassador on 4 April 2022, when he received an honorary award. Zavod Risa recognised him because he strives for all citizens to have accessible information in a form they can understand. The institution of the Human Rights Ombudsman realises the provision of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In cooperation with Zavod Risa they prepared an easy-to-read presentation leaflet in 2022.