Accessible Information
The Scottish Government’s Guidance on Preparing Accessibility Strategies to accompany the Education (Disability Strategies and Pupils’ Educational Records) (Scotland) Act 2002 includes “Improving communication with pupils with disabilities” as one of the three duties required of local authorities.
Para 65 of the Guidance states that “Information may need to be provided in alternative forms, such as: providing information orally (for example, to ensure that a pupil has understood information provided on posters or in their timetable), in Braille, in large print, in audio formats, through ICT, through sign language (either on video or by using appropriately qualified teachers or auxiliary staff) or through a recognised symbol system (such as Makaton). The responsible body should ensure that this information is provided within a reasonable time so that it does not place pupils with disabilities at a disadvantage in relation to other pupils.”
It is important to consider the needs of the individual pupil with additional support needs and not assume that every pupil can use the same adaptations. We generally recommend that you start by simplifying the text to an appropriate level, before moving on to produce an adapted copy in Braille, symbols, etc.
Further Information
- Guidance on Preparing Accessibility Strategies provides the legislative background to ensure that information is made available in accessible formats for pupils in Scottish schools.
- The Scottish Accessible Information Forum provides a number of free resources, providing advice on how to make paper an electronic resources accessible.
- The British Dyslexia Association provide guidelines for making information more accessible for people with dyslexia.
- The Royal National Institute for the Blind have guidelines and resources with recommendations for the production of accessible materials for people with a visual impairment.
- Mencap have produced an excellent booklet, “Am I making Myself Clear?” which provides guidelines for making information more accessible for people with learning difficulties who can benefit from the use of simpler language and text supported by symbols.
