Accessible Information Standard

 Introduction:

 The Accessible Information Standard (AIS) course educates individuals and organisations on their obligations under the AIS, a legal requirement in many countries to ensure disabled people have equitable access to information and communication. This course covers AIS implementation in healthcare, education, and public services. Accessibility principles, such as offering information in braille, large print, easy read, and digital forms compatible with screen readers and assistive devices, will be taught. The training addresses assessing communication requirements and communicating with various learners. Understanding disability rights and accessibility law is emphasised. Practical advice on educating personnel, creating accessible communication rules, and making appropriate adjustments is presented.

What is the Accessible Information Standard (AIS)?

The Accessible Information Standard (hereafter referred to as ‘AIS’ or ‘the Standard’) aims to ensure that individuals who have a disability, impairment or sensory loss and their family and/or carers have access to information they can understand, and the communication support they may need. Organisations that provide NHS care and/or publicly funded adult social care are required by law to follow the AIS.

Why do we Need the Accessible Information Standard?

Despite the existence of legislation and guidance, many service users continue to receive information from health and social care services in formats which they are unable to understand and, therefore, they do not receive the support they need to communicate. This includes, but is not limited to, people who are blind or partially sighted, people with a disability, people who are d/Deaf or have some hearing loss, people who are deafblind, and people with a learning disability.

Who Does the Standard Apply to?

All NHS and publicly funded adult social care providers must comply with the Accessible Information Standard (AIS). The following organisations are examples:

• NHS care and treatment providers

 • Publicly funded adult social care providers

 • Adult social care or services bodies

 • Independent contractors providing NHS services 

• NHS Foundation Trusts and NHS Trusts

 • Voluntary, community, and private sector providers

How Does the AIS Impact the Individual?

Successful implementation of the Standard aims to lead to improved outcomes and experiences, and the provision of safer and more personalised care and services to those individuals who come within the AIS’ scope. Implementation of the AIS should lead to improvements in the person’s satisfaction and experience, safety, outcomes (for example, due to earlier diagnosis and treatment) and the individual’s ability to self-care and adhere to clinical and medical advice.

Specific Benefits of the AIS

The Standard offers significant benefits, such as improved health and wellbeing for key affected groups, increased participation in decision-making, and compliance with treatment or medical advice. It also enhances safety through greater understanding and understanding of early intervention and prevention opportunities.
• Enhanced service user happiness, reduced complaints, and lawsuits due to lacking accessible information and communication support.