ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore today signed an
executive order creating the Maryland Plain Language Initiative. The initiative will establish standards to enhance communication between the State of Maryland and Maryland residents to ensure that all Marylanders have equal opportunities to engage with government-based communications, services, and supports in ways that are clear, understandable, and easy to use.
"This Executive Order is based on a simple idea: It shouldn’t have to be so difficult for Marylanders to access the programs and services they need,"
said Gov. Moore. "Our administration's Plain Language Initiative will help ensure that every piece of writing that comes out of our administration – in print and online – is simple, accessible, and easy to read. This is what it looks like to leave no one behind."
The order begins the process to ensure any writing from the State of Maryland is accessible to all Marylanders —whether in print or online—across every State agency through a partnership between the Maryland Department of Information Technology's Maryland Digital Service; the Maryland Department of Disabilities; and the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives. The agencies will work together to assess the State’s capacity, needs, and resources to implement best practices in plain language standards and create the Maryland Plain Language Plan. They will also leverage ongoing community-based content reviews and testing to ensure the standards are effective.
“Plain language makes state government more accessible for all Marylanders, including those with disabilities, allowing them to participate in meaningful ways,” said Maryland Department of Disabilities Secretary Carol A. Beatty. “Technical terms and government jargon don’t help people get needed services. Plain language does.”
While many written communications are already translated into other languages, the use of plain language will make it easier for all Marylanders to access government services.
“We owe Maryland residents a straightforward approach to find and access critical information and services they need to live safely, efficiently, and productively,” said Maryland Department of Information Technology Secretary Katie Savage. “In partnership with the Department of Disabilities and the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives, our Maryland Digital Service team will implement this executive order and remove barriers to a people-centered digital experience.”
Progress toward achieving the goals of the Maryland Plain Language Initiative will be assessed and reported to the Governor annually by December 31.