Reading Level
When text requires reading ability more advanced than the lower secondary education level, supplemental content or an alternative version that does not require reading ability beyond that level is available.
In plain language
If a piece of text requires an advanced reading level to understand, there should also be a simpler version available — or some kind of supplementary help — so people with a lower reading level can still get the content.
Why it matters
Not everyone reads at an advanced level, whether due to a cognitive or learning disability, or simply not having had access to advanced education. Without a simpler alternative, complex text completely excludes them from important information.
In practice
Fails this criterion
A medical site publishes complex articles about treatments using advanced medical vocabulary, with no simplified summary, illustrations, or audio version available.
Meets this criterion
The same site publishes both the technical article and a plain-language summary written at a simpler reading level, clearly labeled so readers can choose the version that works for them.
Test it yourself
Look at the site's most complex text content. Is a simpler alternative version, summary, or supplementary explanation available alongside it?