Welcome Support Services Accessible Information Standard Policy
1. Introduction
Welcome Support Services recognises the importance of providing accessible information and communication support to individuals who have communication needs or disabilities. This policy outlines our commitment to complying with the Accessible Information Standard to ensure that all individuals receive the care and support they require, regardless of their communication needs or disabilities. Welcome Support Services will comply fully with the NHS England Accessible Information Standard and will perform the following 5 steps:
- Ask people if they have any information or communication needs and find out how to meet their needs.
- Record those needs in an agreed way.
- Highlight in a Client’s file so it is clear that they have information or communication needs, and clearly explain how these will be met.
- Share information about a person’s needs with other NHS and adult social care providers when there is consent or permission to do so.
- Act to make sure that people get information in an accessible way and receive communication support if they require it.
Where Clients are unable to provide consent in relation to their wishes with sharing of information, all decisions regarding this area will be made in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and best interests requirements.
2. Policy Statement
We are committed to:
- Identifying and meeting the communication needs of individuals who use our domiciliary care services.
- Ensuring that individuals have access to information in formats that they can easily understand and use.
- Providing appropriate communication support for individuals during their interactions with our staff and services.
- Training our staff to effectively communicate and interact with individuals who have communication needs or disabilities
3. Definitions
- Accessible Information: Information that is easy to read, understand, and use for individuals with different communication needs and disabilities.
- Communication Needs: Any difficulty or barrier in understanding or expressing information effectively due to disabilities, including but not limited to hearing loss, vision impairment, cognitive impairments, and language barriers.
4. Implementation
- Identifying Communication Needs: We will identify the communication needs of individuals using our services during the initial assessment and on an ongoing basis. This includes identifying preferred communication methods, formats, and any necessary communication support.
- Providing Accessible Information: We will provide information to individuals in accessible formats, such as large print, easy read, Braille, audio, or digital formats, as requested or required.
- Communication Support: We will provide appropriate communication support, such as sign language interpreters or communication aids, to facilitate effective communication with individuals with specific needs.
- Staff Training: Our staff will receive training on the Accessible Information Standard and how to interact with individuals who have communication needs or disabilities. This training will be provided during induction and periodically thereafter.
5. Compliance and Monitoring
- We will regularly review and update our policies and procedures to ensure ongoing compliance with the Accessible Information Standard using the QCS system we have implemented into our service.
- Complaints related to accessibility or communication support will be addressed promptly and appropriately.
6. Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or as needed to ensure its effectiveness and compliance with any updates to the Accessible Information Standard.
7. Contact Information
For any questions or concerns regarding this policy or the Accessible Information Standard, please contact:
Mark Payne, Registered Manager
01892 322 717
8.Approval
This policy has been approved and adopted by:
Mr Mark Payne
Registered Manager
Welcome Support Services
3rd April 2023