To help you follow the standard and apply it to your documents, the Federation has created some resources, such as testimonials, case
studies, and other supporting documents.

Testimonials

We’ve collected testimonials from people who are using the standard in real-world situations. If you have a testimonial you’d like us to publish, email it to chair@iplfederation.org.

Case Studies

We’ve collected testimonials from people who are using the standard in real-world situations. If you have a testimonial you’d like us to publish, email it to chair@iplfederation.org. Many people ask for real-world examples that show how plain language works. We’re publishing some plain language case studies from around the world. These outline how various organizations have successfully used the ISO standard as part of a plain language project.

• Canada: Guidance on alcohol and health
• Australia: Primary aldosteronism explained
• Australia: Australia Taxation Office — useful tips for using their new website

 If you have a case study you’d like us to publish, follow the case study guide below and then email it to chair@iplfederation.org.

Case study guide

Our detailed case study guide gives you a straightforward, step-by-step approach to start your plain language initiative: Creating case studies: a step-by-step guide

Supporting documents

Supporting documents are not published by ISO but they can help you implement the ISO plain language standard. They provide additional information on how to interpret the standard and how to apply it. For those in the healthcare sector, we’ve published a guide on how to implement the ISO plain language standard. It’s called Clear communication for better health.

Countries can endorse, adopt, or sell the standard

A country’s standards body that is a member of ISO can either endorse the standard (just say they agree with the standard as it is), or  they can adopt the standard as a national standard for their country.  Some countries choose to just refer to ISO standards rather than endorse or adopt them. Those countries often sell ISO standards that they have not endorsed or adopted.

National standards bodies around the world are translating, localizing and adopting the plain language standard. Within 2 years of its publication, 12 translated it and 19 countries had adopted it or were selling it.

Get involved

If you want to learn more about how your country can adopt the standard, or how to join the team advocating for adopting and using the standard, read these short guidance documents.

• How ISO Works: An overview and how you can be involved
• Guide to adopting the ISO plain language standard
• Checklist for adopting the ISO plain language standard

You can also join the localization and implementation committee, message us through the contact form at the bottom of this page

Do you want to get involved in improving the standard and developing its future parts? Read up on how to get involved in developing the standard.

Buy the standard

To read or use the standard, you must buy it. You can buy the standard from the ISO store or your own national standards body.