Disabled people have a right to expect choice and opportunity in day to day services, employment and leisure activities.
Accessible communications means designing information that is easier for everyone to use. This may mean producing material in a specific format such as large print, audio or Easy read.
Accessible communications play an important part in providing choice by removing the communication barriers which might otherwise stop a person from using a service or getting the information they need.
Not just the law - the right thing to do
Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) and the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 organisations have a duty to make information and services accessible to all of its customers. The Disability Equality Duty came into force in December 2006. Under the duty all public bodies across the UK are required to pay ‘due regard’ to the promotion of equality and make sure their activities meet the needs of disabled people.
Best practice organisations take these commitments seriously and live up to the spirit not just the letter of the law.
Consider your audience
As well as disability, accessible communications should also take into account factors such as age, language and literacy skills. The golden rule is to consider the needs of your target audience and plan how best to build accessibility into your communications mix, making your literature, website and events accessible.
If you would like advice on improving your communications or need help in developing an accessible communications strategy, contact me for an initial discussion.
See also Top Tips on accessible print
