Introduction of plain language in Tuusula municipality services, communications and decision-making

According to the Administrative Procedure Act (6 June 2003/434), authorities must use appropriate, clear and understandable language. Communication is governed by, among other things, the Local Government Act, the Act on the Openness of Government Activities, the Constitution and the Language Act. The

use of plain language is essential for accessibility. Everyone should have equal access to information and public services. Communication must take into account the needs of different groups of residents.

For people who have difficulty understanding standard language, plain language makes it easier to use public services because its structure and vocabulary are easier to understand. Plain language benefits groups of people whose language skills make it difficult for them to cope with everyday situations and participate in society. The ability to understand the content of documents concerning oneself ensures equality and enables the appropriate use of public services. There may be various

reasons for the need for plain language. Plain language helps people with linguistic or cognitive challenges to understand. Plain language is part of the cognitive accessibility of information. People with developmental and speech disabilities, people on the autism spectrum, people with neurological disorders and people with an immigrant background are particular beneficiaries. The use of plain language promotes language learning and the participation of residents and reduces the need for interpretation services.

Our legislation includes the Accessibility Directive (Act on the Provision of Digital Services 306/2019), and on 28 June 2022, the Accessibility Directive came into force, which must be complied with from 28 June 2025 onwards. The aim of the Accessibility Directive is to complement the existing Accessibility Directive and promote the ability of all people, especially those with disabilities, to conduct their affairs independently.

The aim of the current Accessibility Directive and the upcoming Accessibility Directive is to ensure that accessible websites, services and documents can be used by anyone, regardless of their linguistic or cognitive challenges. This need is particularly acute in crisis situations, when there is an urgent need for information.

We, the undersigned, propose that the municipality of Tuusula include plain language in its service language menu, in addition to Finnish and Swedish, in municipal services, communications and decision-making.

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