06 February 2007 - New guide to improve information for disabled people
Minister for Disabled People, Anne McGuire, today 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 today:
“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 today as it is vital to ensure that disabled people have quick and easy access to the information they need.”
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 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.
Notes for editors
- More information about the five principles can be found in the ODI publication ‘Five information principles for producing better information for disabled people’ available from the ODI’s website at www.officefordisability.gov.uk. Hard copies can be requested by emailing office-for-disability-issues@dwp.gsi.gov.uk This document also provides details on some current initiatives which share similar aims to the principles identified.
- A copy of the ‘Improving Information for Disabled People’ report and the ‘5 principles to producing better information for Disabled People’ guide are available in audio and easy read. If you would like a copy in either of these formats, please contact the ODI on 020 7962 8799. People with speech or hearing problems using a textphone can dial 020 7712 2332. Or you can email us at: office-for-disability-issues@dwp.gsi.gov.uk. You can also download the reports from our website in English and Welsh.
- 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.
- The Disability Equality Duty (DED) came into force in December 2006. 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 Office for Disability Issues was launched in December 2005 to drive forward Government’s strategy for disabled people, including overseeing implementation of the Life Chances recommendations.
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Website: www.officefordisability.gov.uk
www.dwp.gov.uk
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