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How The Accessible Information Standard Works for You

1st August 2016 marked the day that all health and social care professionals must follow the Accessible Information Standard.
How The Accessible Information Standard Works for You
The aim of the Standard is to make sure that people who have a disability or sensory loss are given information in a way they understand, and communication support if they need it.

All organisations that offer NHS or Adult Social Care must now follow the Standard by law.
How The Accessible Information Standard Works for You

What professionals have to do

1. ASK
Find out if a person has any communication or information needs and if so what they are.

2. RECORD
Record those needs in a clear way. This can be done on a computer or on paper.

3. HIGHLIGHT
Make sure that a person's needs stand out in their records.

4 SHARE
Include information about a person's communication needs when sharing other information about them.

5. ACT
Make sure people get information which they can use and understand.
How The Accessible Information Standard Works for You

How can you get the right support for you?

It is really important that you know your rights when receiving health or social care: 

- You can ask for Accessible Information and Communication Support at any time.

- Next time you visit your GP, Hospital, Dentist, Social Worker or other social care appointment you can ask for the information and communication support you need.

- If you know you have an appointment coming up it is helpful that the person or people seeing you know what support you need so they can make sure it is arranged for you.
How The Accessible Information Standard Works for You

Resources

There are lots of free resources to help you understand your rights, and tell professionals how you prefer to communicate.

Our guide 'Your Rights Under The Accessible Information Standard' is free to download.

We have also created a Communication Card which you can fill out and take with you next time you visit a health or social care service.

Charities including Action on Hearing Loss, Sense, and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) also have information which can used for free.

If you have any questions about the Standard you can email NHS England directly: england.nhs.participation@nhs.net

Or you can write to:

Accessible Information Standard
NHS England
7E56, Quarry House,
Quarry Hill,
Leeds
LS2 7UE
 
Guest Blog Post
August 1 / 2016
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