The reading problem
Finish with questions a human can answer.
A concrete example
A machine can count displayed characters but cannot know whether a notice has a respectful tone, a briefing separates evidence from opinion, or an instruction needs another language.
Try this edit
Ask who reads this, what they need to do, where the key fact appears, and whether a heading or paragraph break would help. Invite a real reader to flag anything the checklist misses.
Proof on the page
Print the five questions beside a draft community notice. Ask one reader to underline the action, circle the date, and mark the place where their attention stops. Compare their marks with your intended order. If the action is missed, move it rather than adding another decorative arrow. If they ask what a term means, replace or define that term in the notice.
Where the method stops
A checklist is only an aid to a conversation. It cannot represent readers with every disability, language background, device, or level of familiarity. Do not label the draft “accessible” because five boxes are ticked. Keep space for a reviewer’s unexpected comment and revise the actual document, not only the checklist.
One final check
Repeat the exercise after revision with someone who did not see the first draft. Their fresh reading is more informative than your familiarity with the changed page.