Why Text Simplification Helps Applicants With Disabilities

Text simplification is the process of rewriting complex sentences, jargon, and dense formatting into clear, concise language that anyone can understand. For job seekers with disabilities—whether visual, cognitive, or motor—this practice can be the difference between a resume that lands on a hiring manager’s desk and one that gets discarded by an applicant‑tracking system (ATS). In this guide we’ll explore why text simplification helps applicants with disabilities, provide actionable checklists, and show how Resumly’s AI‑powered tools make the process effortless.

What Is Text Simplification?

Definition: Text simplification reduces linguistic complexity while preserving the original meaning. It involves:

• Replacing multi‑syllable words with simpler synonyms (e.g., “utilize” → “use”).
• Shortening long sentences to 15‑20 words.
• Using active voice instead of passive constructions.
• Adding white space, bullet points, and headings for visual clarity.

Research from the National Center for Accessible Media shows that 68% of people with cognitive disabilities report difficulty understanding dense text on job applications. Simplified text improves comprehension by up to 45% in controlled studies【https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6789012】.

Why It Matters for Applicants With Disabilities

1. Improved ATS Compatibility – Complex phrasing can confuse keyword parsers. Simplified language ensures that essential skills are correctly flagged.
2. Reduced Cognitive Load – Short, direct sentences lower the mental effort required to process information, benefiting applicants with dyslexia, ADHD, or traumatic brain injury.
3. Enhanced Visual Accessibility – Larger fonts, bullet points, and ample white space aid screen‑reader users and those with low vision.
4. Boosted Confidence – When a resume is easy to read, applicants feel more proud of their presentation, which translates into stronger interview performance.

A 2023 survey by Job Accommodation Network (JAN) found that 74% of disabled job seekers who used simplified resumes reported at least one interview callback, compared with 49% who did not.

How Text Simplification Improves Resume Readability

Below is a before‑and‑after excerpt of a typical software‑engineer resume.

Before Simplification

*"Leveraged synergistic cross‑functional collaboration to architect and implement a scalable micro‑services ecosystem, thereby augmenting system throughput by approximately 37% while adhering to stringent compliance protocols."

After Simplification

*"Worked with a team to design and launch a micro‑services system that increased speed by 37% and met all compliance rules."

Notice the changes:

• Word count dropped from 31 to 20.
• Jargon (“synergistic cross‑functional collaboration”) was replaced with plain language.
• Active voice makes the action clear.

The simplified version scores 84 on the Resumly Resume Readability Test (a score above 70 is considered “easy to read”).

Step‑By‑Step Guide to Simplify Your Resume

Checklist – Use this before you hit “Submit”

1. Run a Readability Scan – Upload your draft to Resumly’s free Resume Readability Test.
2. Identify Complex Words – Highlight any term longer than three syllables.
3. Replace with Simpler Synonyms – Use the built‑in Buzzword Detector to find alternatives.
4. Trim Sentences – Aim for 15‑20 words per bullet point.
5. Add Structure – Insert headings (e.g., Professional Experience, Key Achievements) and bullet lists.
6. Check ATS Keywords – Run the Job‑Search Keywords tool to ensure essential terms remain.
7. Validate with a Screen Reader – Use the free Chrome Extension to hear how a screen reader interprets your resume.
8. Get a Human Review – Submit to Resumly’s Resume Roast for personalized feedback.

Example Walkthrough

1. Original bullet: “Spearheaded the development of an enterprise‑grade data‑pipeline that facilitated real‑time analytics across multiple business units.”
2. Readability score: 58 (hard to read).
3. Simplify: “Led the creation of a data pipeline for real‑time analytics used by several departments.”
4. New score: 78 (easy to read).

Resumly Tools That Make Simplification Easy

By integrating these tools, applicants can automatically transform dense prose into clear, ATS‑friendly content without spending hours editing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Text Simplification

Do

• Use active verbs (managed, created, solved).
• Keep bullet points single‑sentence whenever possible.
• Prioritize relevant keywords early in each section.
• Test readability after every major edit.

Don’t

• Over‑simplify to the point of losing technical specificity.
• Replace industry‑specific terms that recruiters expect (e.g., “API”, “SQL”).
• Use all caps or excessive punctuation for emphasis.
• Forget to proofread for grammar; simplicity should not sacrifice correctness.

Real‑World Case Study: Maya’s Journey

Maya, a graphic designer with a visual impairment, struggled to get interview callbacks because her portfolio description was dense and relied on color‑only cues. Using Resumly:

1. She ran her resume through the Resume Readability Test (score 62).
2. The AI Cover Letter feature rewrote her summary in plain language, adding alt‑text descriptions for visual work.
3. She applied the Do/Don’t checklist and reduced her bullet points from 12 to 7 concise statements.
4. After uploading the revised resume, Maya received three interview invitations within two weeks.

Key takeaway: Simplification not only improves readability for recruiters but also ensures that accessibility needs are communicated clearly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can text simplification hurt my chances if I work in a highly technical field?
   • No. The goal is to keep technical terms that are essential while removing unnecessary jargon. Use the Buzzword Detector to strike the right balance.
2. Do ATS systems penalize simple language?
   • ATS algorithms favor clear keyword matches. Simpler sentences improve parsing accuracy, leading to higher match scores.
3. How many words should a bullet point contain?
   • Aim for 15‑20 words. Anything longer risks being truncated in ATS previews.
4. Is there a recommended font size for accessibility?
   • Use at least 11‑pt sans‑serif fonts (e.g., Arial, Calibri) and maintain 1.15 line spacing.
5. What if I need to include a long project description?
   • Break it into multiple bullets, each focusing on a single achievement or metric.
6. Can Resumly help me tailor my resume for different disabilities?
   • Yes. The AI Resume Builder can generate versions optimized for visual, cognitive, or motor accessibility needs.
7. Do I need a separate cover letter for simplified resumes?
   • Not necessarily. The AI Cover Letter tool can produce a concise version that mirrors the tone of your simplified resume.
8. How often should I re‑run the readability test?
   • After each major edit or before every job application to ensure consistency.

Mini‑Conclusion: Why Text Simplification Helps Applicants With Disabilities

By stripping away unnecessary complexity, you make your qualifications visible, searchable, and understandable—the three pillars that empower disabled job seekers to compete on equal footing. Whether you’re using Resumly’s AI Resume Builder or manually editing, the principle remains the same: clear language equals better opportunities.

Take the Next Step with Resumly

Ready to transform your resume into an accessible, high‑impact document? Visit the Resumly Landing Page to explore the full suite of AI tools, start a free readability check, and join thousands of applicants who have already boosted their interview rates.

Empower your career with simplicity—because everyone deserves a fair chance.