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W3C-validated transitional XHTML 3.12 Involving people: Making sure IP is accessible to people with disabilities
Several of the pilot sites have designed IP systems which enable users with different disabilities to benefit from IPs that have been tailored to make them more accessible. Oxfordshire and RNIB and Leeds were explicitly required to develop approaches that benefit users with hearing and visual impairments respectively.
Learning from the pilots
- When designing information materials, ensure that, so far as possible, they are available in a range of formats
It may be particularly useful if information is available in large-print, 'Easy-read' and Braille. You may also wish to consider producing audio and/or DVD-based information, foreign language versions or web-based materials.
It is important to recognise the pros and cons of different methods, however, and consider the needs of your particular target audience when deciding the media you wish to use. For example, a survey of over 3000 patients, by the Health Foundation found that the majority (62%) reported that they were unlikely to seek information via a telephone helpline. However, the same survey found that significantly more users from lower social class backgrounds than higher were likely to want to use telephones to access information about their health.[1]
- Consider piloting different versions of materials, in order to test out their 'usability' with people with different needs.
Involving users in the design and development of materials can be a good way to make them as inclusive as possible and also encourage users to 'buy in' to the IP project from the outset. A number of sites involved users in this way. Darlington PCT tested out its web pages to ensure that they were easy to read and understand for people with learning disabilities; Hammersmith and Fulham explored using visual diagrams on their IP templates so that people with learning disabilities would be able to understand how to use the IP; Durham tested out the information that was to go onto their directory with users to ensure it was appropriate, easy to understand and useful.
Case study: Leeds RNIB Low Vision Pilot – Audio versions of IP information
The information directory in this pilot is available on audio CD. Sections of the directory are set up as different 'tracks' so that users can search for information on a specific topic quickly and easily, using the contents section, while also having access to the entire directory. In addition to this, details of relevant organisations, and of the organisations involved in the IP project, are also provided as tracks on the CD.
The CD is supplemented by a freephone automated telephone service which provides general introductory information about IP, as well as details of the directory content and audio versions of eye condition leaflets. The service user can listen to audio versions of the documents or order copies of them in a format of their choice.
Case study: Heart of England – Electronic information points
The Heart of England pilot was based predominantly in the acute sector, and focused on cystic fibrosis (CF) care within the specialist unit of the hospital. The team at this site worked closely with the trust's information technology and communication professionals to develop touch-screen information points to be installed within the CF unit. These are free to use and allow users to access information about their condition and to 'meet' the staff working on the ward who provide CF care. This was aimed not only at improving information but also — recognising that many users might find the transition to CF care in the acute sector unsettling — aimed at welcoming them to the ward and enabling them to familiarise themselves with their surroundings at their own pace.
On the next page: meeting the needs of people with low self-advocacy skills or limited contact with mainstream services
