Making Information Accessible to Everyone
Imagine needing important healthcare information, but it is only available in a language you cannot understand or seeing a public information video that you cannot fully access because of your communication needs.
These situations highlight a challenge that often goes unnoticed in our increasingly connected world. Information may be widely available, but many people still face barriers accessing and understanding it.
From 24 to 31 October, Global Media and Information Literacy Week 2026 draws attention to the importance of helping people access, evaluate and use information effectively. Led by UNESCO, this year’s theme, “We All Play a Part – Media and Information Literacy for the People”, encourages organisations and communities worldwide to contribute to a more inclusive information environment.
At Translationz, we recognise the importance of this work and play our part in collaboration with our clients, to deliver important information in over 200 languages.
Making Information Accessible Across Languages
Australia is home to people from many linguistic and cultural backgrounds. For those who speak languages other than English, accessing information about healthcare and community services can sometimes be challenging.
In Townsville, Queensland, Translationz works closely with Townsville Multicultural Support Group (TMSG) to improve access to information for local multicultural communities. We translate video scripts for use as subtitles and provide voice-over services in languages including Sango, Somali and Swahili.
We recognise that linguistic and cultural nuance is especially valuable when communicating sensitive health information. As such, these projects sought feedback from community members to help ensure that language used was familiar and culturally appropriate and further supported by professional linguistic checks to ensure accuracy of the final resources. This attention to such projects demonstrates the value of bringing together language professionals and community members who understand their audience. Examples of this work are available on TMSG’s YouTube channel.
Supporting Accessible Healthcare Communication Through Auslan
Accessible communication also involves recognising the needs of Deaf people who use Australian Sign Language (Auslan).
In healthcare settings, patients and families need to know how to seek assistance, particularly when they are concerned about someone’s condition.
NSW Health’s Raise It initiative encourages patients, families and carers to speak up if they notice that someone receiving hospital care is becoming more unwell. It explains how to raise concerns with healthcare professionals and seek further assistance.
Translationz produced an Auslan video for the Raise It initiative, helping make this information accessible to Auslan users, ensuring Deaf patients and their families are aware of the support available to them and giving them a clearer understanding of the steps they can take when concerns arise during hospital care.
Making Written Information Easier to Understand
Complex wording and unfamiliar terminology can make written information difficult to understand, even when it is in their spoken language. Easy English offers a thoughtful approach to support this need.
Translationz uses familiar vocabulary, shorter sentences and clear layouts, often supported by images, to help readers understand information that might otherwise be difficult to follow. This can be particularly useful for people with lower literacy levels or cognitive disabilities.
Translationz also supports Easy English projects through collaboration with specialist providers. Resources such as Metro North Health’s Easy Read information illustrate how accessible writing can help people navigate public services.
Everyone Has a Part to Play
Global Media and Information Literacy Week reminds us of the importance of considering the people who receive and use information. The way a message is communicated can have a considerable influence on whether it reaches its intended audience.
At Translationz, we value the opportunity to work with all our clients to make important information more accessible. We demonstrate our part to play by helping as many people as we can understand the information that affects their lives and take part in decisions that matter to them.
If you would like to support your community with increased accessibility to important information, please call us or email us here to for more information.