Our Human Rights Advisory Committee was approached by strategy and policy consultancy – Insight Partnership last year, to advise on the creation of Easy English communications materials for Homelessness NSW.
Recent policy changes affecting Specialist Homelessness Services prompted a refresh of client resources. While an Easy English version (a style of written information for people with low literacy) wasn’t originally part of the brief, Insight Partnership felt strongly this would be an essential part of the materials – and we agree.
Maura Boland, Managing Director at Insight Partnership said, “We recognised the need for this information, to help ensure people can understand their rights during what is often a stressful and vulnerable time. To our knowledge, there is currently no Easy English client charter available across the sector. By taking this step, we’re helping set a new standard for accessibility and inclusion — and living our values in practical, meaningful ways.”
Judy Topper, Human Rights Lead at Aruma said, “We were pleased to be consulted on this project – it not only aligns our values, but with the Aruma Way. Creating accessible information is absolutely the Right Way – especially when you consider 44% of Australian adults have low literacy. This is a really positive step toward inclusive and accessible communication and information being the standard.”
Homelessness NSW supports this approach and values the expertise of the Insight Partnership and Aruma in strengthening the resources available to the NSW homelessness sector. This collaborative approach will enhance the accessibility of resources for people seeking homelessness services across NSW.
The materials are now available online for use by Specialist Homelessness Services in NSW. You can find them here SHS Client Charter and Implementation Guidelines – Homelessness NSW.
