Introduction
Access to books and literature in Easy Language in Slovenia is not only a matter of individual initiatives, but is also linked to broader legal and political obligations of the state. The Act on Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities requires that information and communication be accessible to persons with disabilities, which also means an obligation to adapt in this field. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ratified by Slovenia as well, stipulates that information and cultural content must be available in accessible formats and that persons with disabilities have the right to use appropriate means of communication. The Resolution on the National Programme for Language Policy 2021–2025 specifically emphasises adapted communication methods for persons with special needs, among which the easy-to-read form is explicitly mentioned. Therefore, we can say that literature in Easy to Read, which is the written form of Easy Language, is not merely a voluntary supplement, but a part of systemic efforts for accessibility, equality and inclusion.
In Slovenia, literature in Easy Language is still rare, even though the need for it is growing. At present, there are only a few dozen titles, including adaptations of Slovenian classics, manuals, and some original novels. Most adaptations or originals have been prepared by individual organisations, such as Zavod Risa, the Center for Training, Work and Care (CUDV) Črna na Koroškem, the Center for Hearing and Speech Maribor, and the Sožitje Association. For now, there is no systematic support from the state or major publishers and there are hardly any authors who write directly in Easy Language.
The collection of original novels Julija and Peter
A special place in the field of Easy Language literature in Slovenia belongs to the collection of original novels Julija and Peter, the first series of authorial works in Easy Language in Slovenia. The basic story follows two young protagonists, Julija and Peter, who navigate everyday challenges, relationships and emotions. Through the narrative, readers encounter life situations they can relate to, while the stories encourage them to reflect on friendship, love, jealousy, responsibility and courage.
From the idea to the first original novel in Easy Language
The initiative to create literature in Easy Language was taken more than a decade ago by the two founders of Zavod Risa, who were at that time employed at the Center for Training, Work and Care (CUDV) Črna na Koroškem. Both had a personal connection with literature – Tatjana with writing short stories, Saša with poetry and literary gatherings – and in their professional work they wished to give people with intellectual disabilities access to books and culture. They prepared the first adaptations in Easy Language: The Visoko Chronicle, Romeo and Juliet and the collection Our Stories. At a lecture in one of the libraries, they met writer Aksinja Kermauner and invited her to join. Aksinja accepted the challenge and the first Slovenian original novel in Easy Language, Flowers and Fire (2016), was created.
People with intellectual and other cognitive disabilities participate as co-authors
The books in the collection Julija and Peter are not created as completed texts that someone later simplifies, but are written in constant dialogue with the readers. From the beginning, readers are included in shaping the characters, plots, and endings. The texts are continuously tested in reading groups, where participants share what is understandable and what is not and suggest changes. Their feedback is considered: the language is adapted, and the story reshaped. Readers also collaborate with the illustrator. They suggest the content of illustrations and indicate where they are needed to meaningfully complement the text or make it clearer. The illustrations are then reviewed by the readers as well. In this way, readers are not only the target audience, but co-authors, whose ideas are woven into the heart of the story.
One of the readers is Nevenka, who has been participating in writing novels since the very beginning.
“I really enjoy being part of this work. Writing is also work, though not like factory work, where you immediately see the product. It is a process. Writing is also exercise for the brain, because you need to pay attention and make sure the story makes sense. I am happy when I see the published book. At that moment, our work becomes visible. It shows that we can participate in many ways, that we are not just test readers. We are capable of many things, but we need to be given the opportunity.”
The author of original novels in Easy Language in Slovenian is Aksinja Kermauner
We spoke with writer Aksinja Kermauner about her first encounter with Easy to Read, about the creative process, the challenges and joys of writing stories in Easy Language, and about the importance of Easy to Read for society.
Aksinja explained that she learned about Easy to Read entirely by chance. She was invited to create Easy Language texts by Saša and Tatjana. Their sincere enthusiasm convinced her and without hesitation she accepted the challenge. At first, she thought the task would be simple, but soon she realised that writing in Easy Language requires great knowledge, attention, and precision. While writing the first book of the Julija and Peter series, together with readers from the Center for Training, Work and Care (CUDV) Črna na Koroškem, she quickly discovered that every word must be carefully considered. The text must be clear, but also high-quality, lively and engaging.
She further explained that Easy to Read is not a shortcut, not a concession, but a bridge. A bridge over which people, who would otherwise be deprived of the joy of reading and access to information, can reach books. Of course, in-depth reading remains essential, but without Easy to Read, nearly a quarter of the population would be deprived of a fundamental right: the ability to read and understand.
Conclusion
Literature in Easy Language in Slovenia is developing, albeit slowly. Individual organisations put in a great deal of effort, but without financial support from the state and without the involvement of major publishers, the demand for accessible literature cannot be met. The PAGE project aims to change this – with concrete books, with the inclusion of readers, and by raising awareness among publishers. Our goal is to get the publishers to recognise the importance of Easy Language and start regularly publishing books in this form. The need for Easy Language literature in Slovenia is indeed increasing and reading should not be a privilege, but a right.