Published: 08 February 2007
Improving Information for Disabled People
Minister for Disabled People, Anne McGuire, has announced the launch of a five point guide that will help public sector organisations to improve the way that they provide information to disabled people.
The guide, written by the Office for Disability Issues (ODI), follows research which shows that a third of disabled people have difficulty accessing goods and services, all too often because the way information is being provided is not good enough.
Ms McGuire said at the launch:
"Good quality information is essential in helping all of us in the public sector in providing a quality service.
The ODI's research shows that a lack of, or misleading information, can be an important factor preventing disabled people from getting services they need.
The new guide outlines five principles for producing better information for disabled people:
· Ensure that disabled people are involved from the start
· Provide information through a range of channels and formats
· Ensure your information meets users' needs
· Clearly signpost other services
· Always make it clear who is responsible for the information provided
I am delighted to launch this guide as it is vital to ensure that disabled people have quick and easy access to the information they need."
Cheshire County Council, the London Borough of Croydon, Surrey County Council and North Tyneside Council are four local authorities who will be working with ODI to improve information locally for disabled people using the new five point guide.
Over 10 million people have rights under the Disability Discrimination Act and they tend to rely on public services more than other people.
The Disability Equality Duty (DED) came into force in December 2006 and there are four key elements to the duty, which require organisations to:
· Eliminate unlawful disability discrimination and disability-related harassment
· Promote equality of opportunity for disabled people
· Promote positive attitudes, and
· Encourage disabled people to take part in public life
The Disability Equality Duty requires all public bodies to consider the impact on disabled people of everything they do and ensuring good access to information is an essential part of this.
Further information
Improving Information for Disabled People
Five principles for producing better information for disabled people
Office for Disability Issues (ODI)
'Adjusting for Better Business' campaign
Related articles
Don’t be complacent about Disability Equality
LSC Launches Disability Equality Scheme
Disability Equality Scheme
Mainstream Depictions of Disabled People
Able Authorities: Disabled People and Local Government in England
To find a business you can trust, click on the related categories below: