SUPPORT TO LITERACY PROVIDERS OF PLAIN LANGUAGE SERVICES:
NLS has encouraged and supported provincial literacy coalitions, amongst others, to develop plain language training and services and to integrate that into their literacy awareness and promotion activities.

SPECIAL PROJECT:
I would like to mention a special initiative which could be a wonderful case study of plain language impact:

The Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) is a national organization whose membership includes some 40 health related associations such as doctors, nurses, optometrists, physiotherapists, dietitians, pharmacists, etc.

CPHA started a Literacy and PL awareness project, supported by the NLS, with its membership to improve awareness about literacy and the need for PL communications with patients. Every member organization received workshops and began to understand the need for PL and the role it could play in improved health services to Canadians. CPHA developed training and materials to help its membership adopt plain language practices such as "medication packaging and labeling guidelines" in general and for specific groups like seniors with low literacy. Member associations have also developed units that are now included in the training programs about literacy and plain language.

CPHA has now established a permanent National Literacy and Health Program. They provide PL services such as assessment, revision, creating new documents, workshops, as well as PL Health information,(they have just published a Directory of Plain Language Information for North America). They also support research that focuses on literacy and health research.

Lots of other activities but not enough time.