If you are blind, visually impaired or have other communication needs, the NHS Accessible Information Standard (AIS) helps ensure you can access the healthcare information and support you need on your terms.
Introduced in August 2016, the AIS makes sure that all NHS and adult social care providers give you information in formats you can read or understand and offer communication support if you need it. This is your legal right under the Equality Act 2010 and Health and Social Care Act 2012.
Your Right to Accessible Healthcare Information:
What does the AIS do for you?
The AIS helps you by ensuring that healthcare providers:
1. Understand and record your needs:
When you visit an NHS service or a care provider, staff must ask you if you have any communication or information needs, such as requiring letters in braille, large print, or audio. This information is recorded and flagged in your medical file so that staff know how to communicate with you.
2. Avoid repetition:
Once your needs are recorded, this information can (with your consent) be sh ared with other healthcare providers. This means 10 you won’t have to explain your needs every time you visit a new service.
3. Provide accessible information:
Whether it’s appointment letters, test results, or treatment information, providers must ensure that these materials are in a format you can access, such as audio recordings, emails, or easy read formats.
4. Offer communication support:
If you need assistance during appointments, such as a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter or
someone to help explain medical terms, the AIS ensures this support is available.
Why is this important?
Healthcare services have not always been accessible for blind or visually impaired people. You might have experienced receiving unreadable appointment letters or been unable to access important medical information. The AIS addresses these challenges, making sure you can make informed decisions about your care and maintain your independence. For example, if you request appointment reminders via text or emails instead of printed letters, this should now be standard practice. Similarly, if you prefer prescriptions or treatment instructions in large print or audio format, the AIS ensures these needs are met.
How can you use the AIS?
To benefit from the AIS, you can:
• Tell your healthcare provider about your communication needs at your next appointment.
Let them know if you need information in formats like braille or audio.
• If your needs are not being met, remind your provider about the AIS. NHS and adult social care services are legally required to follow it.
Speak to your Sight Loss Support Officer for support if you encounter issues.
