I write a newsletter about inclusive and accessible communication.
You can read past editions.
Trauma, taboo and Fathers’ Day emails
Around Father’s Day in the UK, I wrote about newsletter about trauma, bereavement and how we can use our words to make life easier for people who are grieving, anxious or stressed.
Read Trauma, Taboo and Father’s Day Emails.
Say no to rainbow washing
What exactly is rainbow-washing? Does it matter if brands act like LGBTQIA+ champions, when their actions behind the scenes don’t add up? I break down how some brands miss the mark with their Pride campaigns, and explore examples of brands who are getting it right, like Ben & Jerry’s.
Read Say no to rainbow washing.
How to Talk about Looted Jewels
To celebrate the coronation of King Charles III. Ahem, because I’m hearing a lot about the crown jewels at the moment. A look at how we invisibilise the violence of empire, by distracting and minimising.
Read How to talk about looted jewels.
Neurodivergent-friendly instructions
Neurodivergence is an umbrella term, covering identities and conditions such as autism, dyslexia, ADHD, and more. We also cover the "What By When" framework, and why clarity and specifity matter so much when we’re communicating about and for neurodivergence.
Read neurodivergent-friendly instructions.
The best accessibility trick you already know
Making your writing more accessible can be quick, easy and free. Here’s my newsletter in praise of, and written almost entirely in, bullet points. Bullet points are reader-friendly and writer-friendly qualities, making information easy to scan, navigate, and absorb. They boost clarity, accessibility, and engagement without the need for extensive training or extra costs.
Read the best accessibility trick you already know.
What’s Wrong with the French?
A tweet from the AP Stylebook went viral. The tweet suggested avoiding generalising labels like "the French" and "the college-educated" and instead using person-first language. I love a bit of inclusive langauge guidance from a style guide, but I have to question the usefulness of this advice. Not all labels are harmful. Some specific labels accurately describe groups. I support naming structural causes rather than blaming individuals and asking people about their preferred language whenever we can. The core issue lies in the stories we tell and the narratives we perpetuate. True inclusivity comes from telling accurate, nuanced, and respectful stories that challenge stereotypes and promote change.
Read What’s wrong with the French?
Say My Name, Say My Name
Names are so much more than just a collection of letters. They are part of our sense of self, community and identity. Saying and spelling people's names right really matters. But it’s not always easy, for example, we may be dyslexic or find it hard to remember spellings. This post provides practical tips for learning, spelling and correctly pronouncing names.
Read Say My Name, Say My Name.
Disability is not a dirty word
I look at the language around disability, challenging euphemisms like "special needs” and introducing readers to the social model of disability, which highlights the impact of social structures and design choices. I also cover tips to make content more accessible, including using person-first or identity-first language, providing alt text for images, and using dyslexia-friendly fonts.
Read Disability Is Not a Dirty Word.
How to be LGBTQIA+ inclusive
Practical tips on how to use LGBTQIA+ inclusive language, including: not assuming gender or sexual orientation, whether we should say homophobia and transphobia or cissexism and heterosexism,
Read How to Be LGBTQIA+ Inclusive.
Simple Writing is Better Writing
Making your writing more accessible really doesn’t have to be tricky. It comes down to being clear, logical and easy to understand. I break down concepts like cognitive load, and give you practical tips and tools to help you create simpler content which is easier to read, remember and understand.