Making our Information Accessible

When we use the word ‘accessible’ in this context we are using it to describe whether a document, website, or electronic survey (like SmartSurvey or similar) can be used by people of all abilities and disabilities.

In April 2016 a new standard came into effect which aims to make sure that disabled people have access to information that they can understand and any communication support they might need. All organisations that provide NHS or adult social care must follow the Accessible Information Standard.

The standard tells organisations how to make information accessible to patients, service users and their carers and parents. This includes making sure that people get information in different formats if they need it such as large print, braille, easy read and via email.

The Accessible Information Standard also tells organisations how to support people’s communication needs, for example by offering support from a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, deafblind manual interpreter or an advocate.

As part of the standard organisations that provide NHS or social care must do five things. They must:

• Ask people if they have any information or communication needs, and find out how to meet their needs.
• Record those needs in a set way.
• Highlight a person’s file, so it is clear that they have information or communication needs, and clearly explain how these should be met.
• Share information about a person’s needs with other NHS and adult social care providers, when they have consent or permission to do so.
• Act to make sure that people get information in an accessible way and communication support if they need it.

More information on the Accessible Information Standard can be found on the NHS England website www.england.nhs.uk/accessibleinfo.

To view the accessible standard leaflet in full please click here 

Producing accessible content and documents

• Click here for further information regarding producing accessible content and documents.
• Click here for minimum accessibility standards for documents published on ICB websites.
• Click here for an accessibility checklist for documents published on an ICB website.
• Click here to view the website accessibility statement.