Plain Language Initiative
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Background
The
Plain Language Executive Order (EO) 01.01.2024.25 describes the importance of writing that is clear and easy to understand to facilitate an inclusive and accessible government for all Marylanders.
Plain Language Initiative Community of Practice
The EO established the Plain Language Initiative Community of Practice (PLI-COP). The PLI-COP works to:
- assess the State’s capacity, needs, and resources to use plain language in written communication
- publish plain language standards
- create a Maryland Plain Language plan to implement the standards
The PLI-COP has members from several different agencies and organizations including:
- The Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDoD)
- The Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives (GOCI)
- The Department of Information Technology (DoIT) Maryland Digital Service (MDDS)
- Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council
- The University of Maryland Horowitz Center for Health Literacy
This group met monthly in 2024, and will add new members from across the state in 2025.
Accomplishments
Maryland Plain Language Plan
The Plain Language Plan for the State has four parts:
- tools to help assess current content
- training for state staff
- checklists and templates to write future content in plain language
- pilot projects to implement and iterate
The implementation of these parts happens in two phases: pilot projects, and phased roll out.
Maryland Plain Language Standards
We’ve written
a guide for all written state communication, covering both aspects of writing style and design.
View our
Plain Language Standards, to help state agencies craft simple and clear content that supports reader understanding throughout the Maryland digital ecosystem.