The rise of AI writing tools has changed how we produce content. What used to take days can now be generated in seconds. From website text and reports to customer emails and FAQs, AI can draft it all.
But when it comes to government forms, legal disclosures, public-facing documents, healthcare documents, or anything high-stakes—speed isn’t the same as clarity.
At Bromberg & Associates, we specialize in helping organizations communicate clearly and accessibly. And we believe that while AI is a powerful tool, it can’t replace the expertise of a trained plain language specialist—especially when real people need to understand and act on your content.
What AI Gets Right About Plain Language
There’s no denying AI can be helpful. It can:
- Shorten long sentences
- Swap jargon for simpler words
- Suggest bullet points or headings
- Reformat repetitive content quickly
If you’re looking to generate a first draft, AI can get you part of the way there. But plain language isn’t just a writing style. It’s a discipline that involves user empathy, structural clarity, and legal or cultural nuance—areas where AI still falls short.
What AI Still Gets Wrong
AI writes based on patterns, not purpose. It doesn’t know your audience, context, or communication goals. That leads to issues like:
- Oversimplification that loses important legal meaning
- Vague language that sounds smooth but says little
- Lack of logic or flow—especially in multi-step forms or instructions
- Overuse of generic phrases like “enhance communication” or “provide innovative solutions”
AI may write faster, but only a human expert can ask:
“Will this make sense to someone filling out this form under stress, or reading it in their second language?”
Clear Words Aren’t Enough—Formatting Matters Too
Plain language is about more than words on a page. Visual presentation is just as important when it comes to helping people understand and act on your message.
Poor formatting—cramped layouts, confusing labels, long unbroken paragraphs—can make even the simplest content hard to follow. That’s why plain language specialists often work hand-in-hand with desktop publishing and accessibility professionals to create layouts that support understanding.
Effective formatting includes:
- Grouping content into clearly labeled steps
- Using headers, checklists, and white space to reduce overload
- Consistent font styles and readable sizes
- Well-labeled form fields that screen readers can interpret
In short: even the clearest sentence can fail if it’s buried in a cluttered, inaccessible design.
Is Plain Language Part of Accessibility? Yes—and Here’s Why
Plain language isn’t just helpful. In many cases, it’s required.
Accessibility standards that support plain language:
- WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) encourage understandable text, logical flow, and readability.
- Section 508 (U.S. federal accessibility law) requires public-facing electronic content to be usable by people with disabilities.
- The new ISO 24495-1 international plain language standard directly aligns with accessibility and usability best practices.
This matters for people who:
- Use screen readers or other assistive technology
- Have cognitive or learning disabilities
- Are reading in their non-native language
- Are under stress, in a hurry, or navigating complicated systems
Plain language reduces barriers and makes vital information available to more people—especially those who are often excluded by dense, bureaucratic writing.
The Full Picture: Language, Design, and Accessibility—Together
At Bromberg & Associates, we take a comprehensive approach to plain language. We don’t just rewrite your content—we transform how it works for your audience.
Our team combines:
- Plain language specialists who simplify without losing meaning
- Formatting and desktop publishing experts who design for ease of use
- Accessibility professionals who ensure your content meets legal standards and serves all users
From government forms and benefit applications to internal policies and multilingual versions, we help you create content that’s:
- Clear
- Usable
- Accessible
Final Thoughts: Clarity Can’t Be Automated
AI can support the writing process. But it can’t replace human judgment, contextual understanding, or the ability to design for real-world users.
If your content involves public access, compliance, or high stakes, don’t settle for automated writing.
Plain language needs plain language specialists.
Let’s Talk
Ready to transform your content with plain language, accessible design, and real-world clarity?
Contact us today to learn how our team can support your next project—whether you’re starting from scratch or cleaning up existing documents.
Clarity starts here.