The University of Alicante has launched a project on accessible translation: service-learning approach to adapting administrative texts into easy read format. In this initiative, researchers from the Frasytram group (Phraseology and Multilingual Translation), students from the undergraduate degree in Translation and Interpreting, and service users collaborate to dismantle bureaucratic barriers. This partnership aims to facilitate interactions between people with disabilities and public administration.
The project addresses what the team defines as “bureaucratic exclusion”, a phenomenon where fundamental rights are restricted because administrative information is not understandable. To combat this, the team adapts complex documents using easy-read methodology, following UNE 153101:2018 standards.
The project is organised in collaboration with the Sense Barreres Association and COCEMFE Alicante (Spanish Federation of People with Physical and Organic Disabilities). Lead researcher Lucía Navarro heads the team, which includes Professor Pedro Mogorrón, director of the group, researchers Analía Cuadrado and Kendall Harteel, and IT technician María Sánchez.
Granted through a competitive call by the Office of the Vice for Equality, Inclusion, and Social Responsibility, the project holds strategic relevance within the social impact policies of the University of Alicante. The methodology combines formal teaching with direct intervention in real-world contexts. Second and third-year students from the undergraduate degree in Translation and Interpreting work within modules such as Theory and History of Translation, General Translation I and II, and Audiovisual Translation to adapt administrative texts using easy-read methodology, following UNE 153101:2018 standards.
The project pursues two primary objectives: first, to produce accessible versions of administrative documents; and second, to design and develop accessible video tutorials incorporating easy-read content, subtitles, voice-overs, and inclusive design principles.
These tools enable users to navigate complex bureaucratic processes, such as the installation of digital certificates. The materials are only finalised once they have been validated by users from the partner organisations, thereby ensuring quality standards based on actual comprehension.
Last April, the headquarters of Sense Barreres in Petrer hosted the first of a series of workshops. During these sessions, students, researchers, and users worked in groups to evaluate the effectiveness of the adapted texts and videos. Lucía Navarro emphasises that validation is essential for accessible easy-read content. A word may seem simple in theory, but that does not guarantee user comprehension. Consequently, the researcher explains that the experience identified a need to diversify formats: “We realised that we had to generate several versions: larger text, slower pacing, and even further simplification. Accessibility is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it requires constant adaptation.”
The next validation phase will take place between October and November 2025/26 with COCEMFE Alicante. The project will conclude in December, at which point all materials will be released via open access.
The project addresses what the team defines as “bureaucratic exclusion”, a phenomenon that restricts the exercise of fundamental rights when information is not understandable. In this regard, FRASYTRAM aligns with the current legal framework, specifically Law 6/2022 and Law 8/2024 on universal accessibility in the Valencia Region, which recognise cognitive accessibility as a right.
An Emerging Professional Profile
From an academic perspective, the initiative seeks to consolidate translation competence within the field of accessible and social translation, foster civic awareness among students, develop ethical responsibility in professional practice, and promote interdisciplinary work. In parallel, the project introduces students to an emerging profile within the labour market. “This is a developing field. Cognitive accessibility legislation is still in its infancy and, to a large extent, training depends on associations,” Navarro explains. “However, the skills acquired by any translation student are fully transferable to this area. We want to demonstrate that this professional path exists and that they can help overcome bureaucracy to meet a real social need.
In strategic terms, the project aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Quality Education (SDG 4), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), Strong Institutions and Access to Justice (SDG 16), and Partnerships (SDG 17).