NIDA CREATES EASY-TO-READ WEBSITE ON DRUG ABUSE New site for adults with limited literacy skills, with audio versions of each page

Clip A new, easy-to-read website on drug abuse designed for adults with a low reading literacy level (eighth grade or below) was launched today by the National Institute on Drug Abuse <http://www.drugabuse.gov/> (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health.  The site, which provides plain language information on neuroscience, drug abuse prevention and treatment, is also a resource for adult literacy educators.  It has a simple design with a large default text size, motion graphic videos and other features that make it easy to read and use.

 

NIDA’s new easy-to-read site can be found at: <www.easyread.drugabuse.gov>.
Before creating the site, NIDA interviewed adults who were seeking to improve their literacy skills to learn their challenges and preferences in using websites. NIDA also worked with groups that provide services to adult learners through nonprofit organizations, libraries, and in healthcare clinics. In addition, NIDA conducted website usability testing at nonprofit organizations that serve adults seeking to improve their reading and/or earn a GED.

See NIH’s Health Literacy Initiative (http://www.nih.gov/clearcommunication/plainlanguage.htm) for more information and additional resources on health literacy