3.2.5: Plain Language Efforts
Communicate clearly, in plain language. Other Information:
Before the DOT can effectively collaborate with our partners, we must able to clearly communicate. We have a commitment to
transparency and clarity. Both OST and FAA have taken the lead with our plain language efforts. Plain language is a writing
technique that makes information easier for general audiences to understand. The FAA has a plain language writing order (FAA
Order 1000.36) and provides training to the DOT about plain language. This effort also supports FAA’s new “Consistency and
Standardization Initiative.” http://www.faa.gov/news/fact_sheets/news_story.cfm?newsID=10802 Also, in 2000, working with a
team of DOT agency program managers and counsel, the DOT’s Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance (ODAPC) rewrote
and published in the Federal register the “Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs.” ODAPC
and its DOT agency team members received then Vice-President Gore’s Plain Language Award in recognition of their outstanding
work in making this very complex set of rules easy to understand. This was also the first DOT regulation written in a question
and answer format. Since then, the ODAPC regulation, guidance documents, and Web site have been noted for their ease in understanding.
For a good example of the ODAPC effort to make guidelines understandable and inviting, please see: http://www.dot.gov/ost/dapc/testingpubs/Employer
Guidelines August 31 2009.pdf Training on plain language as utilized by the ODAPC and as adopted by the FAA should be made
widely available to employees in order to further encourage its adoption.
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