To look for a specific item then please use the search facility by clicking here

Education

8.5.16 Access to Information

This part of the duty covers planning to make written information normally provided by the school to its pupils available to disabled pupils. The information should take account of pupils' disabilities, pupils' and parents preferred formats and be made available within a reasonable timeframe. The information might include handouts, timetables, and information about school events. The school might consider providing the information in alternative format (such as large print and audio tape) using ICT, or providing the information orally. Schools may consider how all information normally provided in a written format could be made more accessible over time.

Fact Sheets 4.2 and 4.3 should be referred to provide detailed advice relating to accessible information generally.

When assessing the provision of information within the school, the following questions may prove helpful (source DfES/0462/2002: Identify Barriers to Access):

Do you provide information in simple language, symbols, large print, on audiotape or in Braille for pupils and prospective pupils who may have difficulty with standard forms of printed information?
Do you ensure that information is presented to groups in a way which is user friendly for people with disabilities e.g., by reading aloud overhead projections and describing diagrams?
Do you have facilities such as ICT to produce written information in different formats?
Do you ensure that staff are familiar with technology and practices developed to assist people with disabilities?

back to section contents