Overlap of WCAG 2.2 and plain language

Hello,

After spending the last year looking at the potential overlap of plain
language and digital accessibility, I do believe I found some
information that may be of interest to the WCAG 2.2 editors.

I have attached my master's thesis as it serves as the backbone of what
information is to follow, but after looking at the principles, guidelines
and success criteria of the WCAG 2.2 in comparison to the draft version of
PL ISO 24495-1:2022, I found some information relevant to the forward
movement of accessibility.

Pages 54-58 of my thesis shed light on the potential area of change:


Readability is different from comprehensibility and also at the root of a
detrimental difference in mindset found between the WCAG 2.2 and the PL ISO
whose standards are both trying to fulfill the goal of “understandable”
content.


Currently the WCAG 2.2 appears to be relying more so on readability than
comprehensibility in its quest for fair and equitable digital information,
leaving users without the right tools for true access.


Relying mainly on reading level is in opposition to the current practices
in place that factor in comprehensibility (or the true “access”) in regards
to digital accessibility, thus defying the idea that the information, if
readable, is usable. Suffice it to say, it is still progress to focus on
readability in regards to digital content, but by focusing on readability
alone, it fails to fully aid in the UNCRPD’s “environmental barriers” being
dissolved – less so on a societal level like in the case of the mental
model, but in this case, on a conceptual, intangible level.


The use of plain language is one way to help dissolve the barrier that
comprehensibility can create, but its use must be a choice, and one that
currently involves extra time and training.

I am honored to have shared a bit of my findings with you, and commend you
on all the effort you are putting into making this world more accessible.
Should you have further questions or comments, I would be honored to answer..

Kind regards,
Ashley Miller