It is a legal duty for NHS organisations, including GP Practices, to comply with NHS England's Accessible Information Standard.
The standard ensures that patients, and where appropriate, parents/carers who have information or communication needs relating to a disability, impairment or sensory loss receive information in formats they can understand - as well as appropriate support to help them communicate.
It is of a particular relevance to people who are blind, deaf, deafblind or have a learning disability, although it should support anyone with information or communication needs, for example people with aphasia, autism or a mental health conditions which affects their ability to communicate.
Please click here for a supporting Easy Read document (PDF, 4.98KB).
Click here for an information poster (PDF, 205KB).
AbilityNet
http://www.abilitynet.org.uk/
Information, factsheets and step-by-step guides on approaches and technology to help disabled computer users. AbilityNet has useful links to UK organisations on their website, including literacy-related organisations and specialist IT suppliers.
Directgov- Disabled people
https://www.gov.uk/browse/disabilities
The Government's one-stop directory of public services relating to disability.
Disability Now
http://www.disabilitynow.org.uk/
Online edition of the magazine for people with disabilities
W3C – Web Accessibility Initiative
http://www.w3.org/WAI/
The WAI works with a variety of organisations to develop strategies, guidelines, and resources to help make the web accessible.
Vision-related web links
British Computer Association of the Blind
https://www.bcab.org.uk/
A self-help group of visually impaired computer professionals and users.
Royal National Institute of the Blind
http://www.rnib.org.uk/
Information on all aspects of vision impairment, including computer access and other technologies. The RNIB's Useful links page has a comprehensive list of UK vision-related technology and standards resources.
Hearing-related web links
Action on Hearing Loss
http://www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/
The website of the rebranded Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID) has information and resources for deaf and hard of hearing people.
British Deaf Association
http://www.bda.org.uk/
News, information on British Sign Language, and other resources on the website of the organisation run by deaf people for deaf people.
BSL Academy
http://bslonline.org.uk/
The BDA's initiative to train and improve the quality of BSL (British Sign Language) teachers and to increase BSL awareness.
Deafax
http://www.deafax.org/
The website of the charity that applies communications technology to create deaf-friendly resources, notably Viewtalk, which allows users to watch and upload video blogs and messages, and has training films for improving BSL vocabulary.
European Union of the Deaf
http://www.eud.eu/
The EUD is a pan-European non-profit making organisation representing the interests of deaf Europeans.
Deaf Studies Trust
http://www.deafstudiestrust.org/
The Deaf Studies Trust (DST) is a national charity set up for the benefit of the Deaf community in the UK. It aims to apply research-based knowledge to practical issues for Deaf children and adults. It works also with hard of hearing adults.
Language and Reading Web links
British Dyslexia Association
http://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/
Information on resources for dyslexic people, local support and publications.
Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre
http://www.arkellcentre.org.uk/
The HADC offers training and support for educators and people with dyslexia.
Dyslexia Action
http://www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk/
Website of the charity providing services and support for people with dyslexia and literacy difficulties.
National Literacy Trust
http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/
Website of the charity that aims to improve reading and writing skills for all ages.
Keyboard and Mouse: mobility-related web links
Ace Centre- Resources
http://acecentre.org.uk/
The Ace Centre website's Resources section includes UK suppliers of communication aids.
Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors
http://www.ergonomics.org.uk/
Information on ergonomics and ergonomic design - including computer workstation design.
Multiple Sclerosis Society
http://www.mssociety.org.uk/
The MS Society website has information and resources for people who have multiple sclerosis.
RSI Awareness
http://www.rsi.org.uk/
The Repetitive Strain Injury Association's website includes information on all aspects of RSI: causes, treatments, research and legal issues.