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The Third National
Conference on |
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October
2 - 4, 2002, Chicago, IL |
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Preconference | Wed., October 2nd | Th., October 3rd | Fr., October 4th | | ||||||||||
Workshop A: Writing, designing and translating program materials for low literate consumersThis session is based on what we have learned through helping states revise and redesign Medicaid and SCHIP program materials to make them more readable and usable for low level readers. Participants will (1) learn to identify high barrier elements that make print and web based materials hard to read and use (2) learn skills necessary to write in plain language, (3) learn to enhance readability through design (4) learn the importance of translations which are adapted specifically for low level readers, and (5) learn how to field test materials with consumers. The Center for Health Literacy completed a year-long project for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), during which we collected English and Spanish Medicaid, Medicaid/ SCHIP, and Medicaid/Food Stamp/TANF applications from all states, as well as ten Medicaid and SCHIP notices. We assessed the readability and usability of these materials and developed model templates for states to use in revising or developing similar materials. Our work was supported by input from hundreds of consumers during three rounds of field-testing in Iowa, Louisiana, California and Florida. We also wrote a Notices & Applications Handbook, which CMS plans to print and distribute (together with a companion CD containing all the templates) this fall. State agencies interested in simplifying program materials face many obstacles, including the task of getting support and input from all stakeholders, the capabilities and limitations of their computer systems, and staffing and budgetary concerns. These program materials are typically complex and contain many administrative terms and instructions. In our model templates, we were able to enhance the readability and usability of these documents through the use of plain language (in English and in Spanish) and good design. We will share our easy to use guidelines for writing, designing and translating consumer friendly program materials, together with information about the importance of consumer field-testing and step-by-step instructions for field-testing. Penny Lane managed the CMS project, helped to write and revise all templates, and conducted field-testing in Louisiana and Iowa. She has worked to improve materials for consumers who read at a low level for over 6 years, composing or revising content and working with designers to improve navigation and design in print and web based materials and in videos. Ms. Lane has a Master of Public Health Degree from Johns Hopkins University.
Mercedes Blanco directed the collection, field-testing and development of models of Spanish language materials in the CMS contract. She oversees the Center’s translations services, and manages quality assurance measurements. In the past, she has conducted social research programs in Spanish and English, designed and field tested health care intervention tools, and produced linguistically and culturally appropriate program materials. Ms. Blanco has a Masters degree in Sociology from the University of Argentina.
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| As with the rest of Diversity Rx, this section
is a work in progress and we welcome information on other efforts, programs,
and reports that will expand upon the information offered here. Please
let us know if you have other examples to include here. |
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essentials | models and practices | policy | legal issues
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| who we are |
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Diversity Rx is sponsored by: |
 The National Conference of State Legislatures |
 Resources for Cross Cultural Health Care |
 Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation |
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