It is a legal duty for NHS organisations, including GP Practices, to comply with NHS England's Accessible Information Standard.
The standard ensures that patients, and where appropriate, parents/carers who have information or communication needs relating to a disability, impairment or sensory loss receive information in formats they can understand - as well as appropriate support to help them communicate.
It is of a particular relevance to people who are blind, deaf, deafblind or have a learning disability, although it should support anyone with information or communication needs, for example people with aphasia, autism or a mental health conditions which affects their ability to communicate.
Easy Read document.
Download an information poster (PDF, 205KB).
AbilityNet
www.abilitynet.org.uk
Information, factsheets and step-by-step guides on approaches and technology to help disabled computer users. AbilityNet has useful links to UK organisations on their website, including literacy-related organisations and specialist IT suppliers.
Directgov - Disabled people
www.gov.uk/browse/disabilities
The Government's one-stop directory of public services relating to disability.
Disability Now
www.disabilitynow.org.uk
Online edition of the magazine for people with disabilities
W3C – Web Accessibility Initiative
www.w3.org/WAI
The WAI works with a variety of organisations to develop strategies, guidelines, and resources to help make the web accessible.
Vision-related web links
British Computer Association of the Blind
www.bcab.org.uk
A self-help group of visually impaired computer professionals and users.
Royal National Institute of the Blind
www.rnib.org.uk
Information on all aspects of vision impairment, including computer access and other technologies. The RNIB's Useful links page has a comprehensive list of UK vision-related technology and standards resources.
Hearing-related web links
Action on Hearing Loss
www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk
The website of the rebranded Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID) has information and resources for deaf and hard of hearing people.
British Deaf Association
www.bda.org.uk
News, information on British Sign Language, and other resources on the website of the organisation run by deaf people for deaf people.
BSL Academy
bslonline.org.uk
The BDA's initiative to train and improve the quality of BSL (British Sign Language) teachers and to increase BSL awareness.
Deafax
www.deafax.org
The website of the charity that applies communications technology to create deaf-friendly resources, notably Viewtalk, which allows users to watch and upload video blogs and messages, and has training films for improving BSL vocabulary.
European Union of the Deaf
www.eud.eu
The EUD is a pan-European non-profit making organisation representing the interests of deaf Europeans.
Deaf Studies Trust
www.deafstudiestrust.org
The Deaf Studies Trust (DST) is a national charity set up for the benefit of the Deaf community in the UK. It aims to apply research-based knowledge to practical issues for Deaf children and adults. It works also with hard of hearing adults.
Language and Reading Web links
British Dyslexia Association
www.bdadyslexia.org.uk
Information on resources for dyslexic people, local support and publications.
Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre
www.arkellcentre.org.uk
The HADC offers training and support for educators and people with dyslexia.
Dyslexia Action
www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk
Website of the charity providing services and support for people with dyslexia and literacy difficulties.
National Literacy Trust
www.literacytrust.org.uk
Website of the charity that aims to improve reading and writing skills for all ages.
Keyboard and Mouse: mobility-related web links
Ace Centre - Resources
acecentre.org.uk
The Ace Centre website's Resources section includes UK suppliers of communication aids.
Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors
www.ergonomics.org.uk
Information on ergonomics and ergonomic design - including computer workstation design.
Multiple Sclerosis Society
www.mssociety.org.uk
The MS Society website has information and resources for people who have multiple sclerosis.
RSI Awareness
www.rsi.org.uk
The Repetitive Strain Injury Association's website includes information on all aspects of RSI: causes, treatments, research and legal issues.