Overview of the Accessible Information Standard and Plans for Implementation Olivia Butterworth Head of Public Participation NHS England

Accessible Information Standard Overview

With partners, NHS England has developed a new ‘Accessible Information Standard’. The aim of the Standard is to make sure that people who have a disability or sensory loss get information in the right format for them, and any support they need to communicate. The Standard tells organisations that provide NHS or adult social care services how they must do this. What’s the big idea? 3

The Equality Act 2010 says that all service providers must make “reasonable adjustments” to support disabled people – including providing information in “an accessible format”. BUT we know that people with communication needs often get information that they cannot read or understand and do not get the communication support they need. Why do we need a new Standard? 4

Why do we need the Standard? 5 “I recently went for a routine mammogram. All the info was in small print. I couldn't read it… [when I got to the hospital]…A receptionist kept telling me to, "go along there" I explained I couldn't see where "there" was or where she was pointing to. I had my white cane fully extended in my hand. The woman just kept repeating "go over there.””

Why do we need the Standard? “The consultant talked to my parents rather than me. The consultant then said to my parent ‘she doesn’t understand, does she, as she’s got disabilities’. I said ‘yes I do’.” “In a single consultation I had to ask a consultant 5 times (FIVE) to face me and speak more slowly so I could understand her…I felt stupid...”

An advisory group including charities and people with communication needs provided advice. In winter 2013/14 we asked people for their views and experiences. Over 1200 people responded and we used what they told us to write the draft Standard. In 2014 we had a consultation on the draft Standard so people could tell us what they thought. In early 2015 we worked with some organisations to pilot or test out the draft Standard. We also asked people who are experts for their views. How was the Standard developed? 7

The Standard says organisations must: identify record ‘flag’ share and meet people’s information and communication needs. What does the Standard say? 8

The Standard says that patients, service users, carers and parents with a disability or sensory loss should: Be able to contact, and be contacted by, services in ways that they can use. Get letters and information in formats they can read and understand. Be supported by a communication professional at appointments if this is needed to support conversation. Get support from health and care staff and organisations to communicate. How will the Standard change things? 9

Overview of Plans for Implementation

The Standard was approved in June 2015 and published on 3 July All organisations that provide NHS or adult social care must follow the Standard by law. There is a 12 month implementation period – full compliance is required by 31 July There are 3 other milestones before 31 July 2016, including that organisations must have a plan for implementation by 1 September Timescales and requirements 11

All organisations that provide NHS or adult social services must make sure they follow the Standard. They need to make a plan for how they will do this. NHS England has published Implementation Guidance and other documents to help. NHS England will publish more advice and tools to help organisations to implement the Standard, hold some events and help with networking. Lots of charities and patient groups also want to help organisations to implement the Standard. 12 How will the Standard be implemented?

How can I find out more? Sign-up to receive updates about this work and / or find out more at Please with queries or to request documents in alternative 13

Thank you. Any questions?