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Plain language is now also available in Darmstadt's digital town hall
The new website of the science city of Darmstadt has been online since November 2024. Integrated into it is the digital town hall, which provides a wealth of information on municipal services and offerings – many of which are also available digitally.
has now been expanded : Information texts can now be displayed in plain language . The goal is to make it easier for all citizens to access municipal information and to make the use of online services as accessible as possible. Mayor Hanno Benz highlights the successful collaboration between the participating departments and emphasizes that the city is further expanding its digital accessibility with this step. Deputy Mayor Barbara Akdeniz underscores the importance of the project: It is crucial to design services in such a way that they actually make everyday life easier . Inclusion is being "broken down into a practical approach" here, according to a press release.
Plain Language feature is currently available 13 frequently used online services ID card collection and registration certificates to vehicle registration . Users can activate it by clicking on an icon with a smiley face and the message "Turn on Plain Language".
The group of people who benefit from plain language is diverse: deaf people, for whom written language is a foreign language, people with learning difficulties, or people with a migration background . The introduction of this feature was therefore an important priority, according to the participating departments – including the Office for Social Planning , the Office for Digitalization , and the Office for Communication .
accessibility features since 2021. These include individually adjustable contrast, larger font sizes, a text-to-speech function , and the ability to hide distracting content. The introduction of plain language represents a further step towards greater digital inclusion.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PS)
