Accessible Information Standard Stephen Kill Eye Care and Vision Manager, SeeAbility Eye care and vision for adults with learning disabilities Vision2020UK Learning Disabilities sub-group

What is the Standard? A new mandatory standard from NHS England for health and social care. The aim of the accessible information standard is to make sure that people who have a disability, impairment or sensory loss get information that they can access and understand, and any communication support that they need. Disclaimer*

Who is it for? People with a disability, impairment or sensory loss Particularly people who – Are blind Are d/Deaf or have hearing loss Are deafblind Have a learning disability

Definitions Accessible information – is able to be read or received and understood by the individual or group for which it is intended. Communication support - organisations should make sure that people get any support with communication that they need, for example support from a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, deafblind manual interpreter or an advocate.

Aim Successful implementation will lead to improved outcomes and experiences, and the provision of safer and more personalised care and services to those individuals who come under the Standard’s scope. What makes life difficult? Small, feint type Jargon and long words No interpreters

What organisations need to do – 31st July Ask people if they have any information or communication needs and how to meet their needs. Record those needs clearly and in a set way. Highlight or flag the person’s file or notes Share this information with other providers of NHS and adult social care (with consent).   Take steps to ensure that people receive information which they can access and understand, and receive communication support if they need it.

How this relates to SeeAbility Adults with learning disabilities are 10 times more likely to have serious sight problems than others Despite this, people often struggle to access eye tests, glasses and eye surgery Over the past 10 years, we have created easy read information about eye care to help people access eye care services

Final Slide SeeAbility petition https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/133239 Accessible Information Standard www.seeability.org/Accessible-Information-Standard s.kill@seeability.org 07738 040307