Accessible Information Standard – what it means for you
What is the Accessible Information Standard?
The Accessible Information Standard is an NHS and adult social care requirement. It exists to make sure disabled people, including blind and partially sighted people, can access information and communicate with health and care services in ways that work for them.
This includes receiving information in formats you can read or hear and getting the communication support you need to take part in appointments and decisions about your care.
Who does it apply to?
The standard applies to all NHS services and adult social care providers in England. This includes GP surgeries, hospitals, community health services and local authority adult social care.
It covers people with information or communication needs related to disability, impairment or sensory loss. This includes people who are blind, partially sighted, d/Deaf, deafblind, autistic, or who have a learning disability.
What should services do?
Under the Accessible Information Standard, services should:
- ask if you have any information or communication needs
- record those needs clearly in your records
- make sure your needs are visible to staff
- share your needs appropriately between services
- provide information in formats you can access and understand
- arrange communication support when needed
- review your needs regularly, as they can change over time
For example, this might mean receiving letters by email instead of post, getting information in large print or audio, or having extra time or support during appointments.
What this means for blind and partially sighted people
If you are blind or partially sighted, you have the right to:
- receive letters and information in a format you can read or listen to
- be contacted in a way that works for you, such as by email or text
- get support to communicate at appointments if needed
- have your needs recorded so you don’t have to explain them every time
Services should not make assumptions. They should ask what works for you.
If your needs are not being met
If a health or care service is not providing information in an accessible format or is not meeting your communication needs, you can:
- raise it with the service directly
- ask for your communication needs to be recorded
- make a complaint if necessary
Your local sight loss charity can also help you understand your rights and support you to speak up.
Find out more
For full details of the Accessible Information Standard and how services should implement it, you can visit the NHS England website: Accessible Information Standard: accessible versions.