How the NHS and Social Care can be supported with accessibility by RNIB's Business Services
For those with a visual impairment, having access to alternative formats is crucial to accessing much needed documentation. Read on to find out more about how we can support you.
Why it is important to improve accessibility now
It is a legal requirement to provide people with a visual impairment information in an accessible format about their health and care, in so allowing them to manage their own health independently and privately. Formats include large print, email, braille and audio.
What issues does inaccessible health information and literature cause?
- Patient safety issues which can cause harm
- Poor patient experience
- Unnecessary costs for the NHS and social care services
RNIB recognises the challenges you may face while wishing to implement accessible information.
We can provide you with the support and solutions which are quick, easy, and cost effective.
In addition to accessible information, it is also crucial that other documentation such as original documents from appointment letters, test results, medication instructions, bespoke reports or information leaflets and transcribe into your patients required accessible format including Large Print, Easy Read, Braille, and Audio.
How RNIB can support you to improve your accessibility
RNIB can connect you with people with lived experience of sight loss and support your improvement journey.
In addition to this we can support you in developing and reviewing your information policy as well as complaints and PALS procedures.
Another area that organisations need to consider is their IT systems and processes that can flag a patients required communication format.
The team at RNIB can help you test electronic patient record systems, patient portals and other IT systems.
Which accessible formats can RNIB help to produce?
Large print
Our standard is 20 font Arial. We can produce up to 32 font and on different coloured paper.
Braille
We support both (contracted) and (uncontracted), Unified English Braille, double sided.
Audio
We provide information in audio, either in synthetic or real voice. Formats include CD, DAISY, MP3 and on CD formats. All personal information is synthetic voice only.
Accessible PDF
Accessible PDF documents are fully tagged, meaning the information can be read by the text-to-speech software used by blind and partially sighted people.
Our accessible communication services
RNIB can receive your documents electronically or as hard copy. We process all patient information accurately and if you require, we can also send the information direct to your patients in the most demanding of timeframes ranging from 2 business working days or longer depending on the length and complexity.
All customer data is processed in our PCS-DSS / Cyber Essentials Plus environment which provides the highest level of security and compliance.
Why work with RNIB?
We are proud to offer the following:
- Cost effective, accurate on-time delivery without compromising standards.
- Detailed quality checking throughout the process.
- Adaptability and agility to meet your needs and those of your patients’/clients.
- Staff experienced in all types of accessible information.
- Staff with lived experience providing valuable first-hand expertise.
Our mission is to provide a seamless service for you and your patients. Any income generated is re-invested into delivering services for blind and partially sighted people.
Inclusive design options
The RNIB Accessibility and Usability Consultants can help you to ensure accessibility for the following:
- Websites and apps
- Wayfinding and signage
- Training sessions to further support implementing accessible information
Signage
For people who have no sight at all, or whose vision is sufficient to locate a sign but not to distinguish the individual letters, tactile elements and symbols will help patients find their way around the environment.
RNIB can provide guidance, test accessibility, and provide signage design.
Web Content Accessibility
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are an international, recognised standard for improving web accessibility. All public websites must achieve the standard as a minimum.
We provide expert accessibility and usability assessments
To identify the barriers that prevent disabled people from using your website or app.
We have expert digital audit and user experience consultants
The first line of defence against inaccessible web and app design.
We undertake WCAG AA website and app audits
We audit against the latest industry standard WCAG 2.2 Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and RNIB’s internal app guidelines to test coding, responsiveness, and user experience.
Enhance your website or App Accessibility with RNIB's Observed User Testing Service
Ensure your website or app is accessible and user-friendly for everyone, including blind and partially sighted individuals. This service involves real end users with various communication needs, ensuring your digital product meets the highest standards of accessibility and usability.
Why not adopt RNIB’s Tried and Tested accreditation mark?
This lets your patients/clients know that you have undertaken a rigorous assessment which ensures your website / app is accessible and usable.
We offer digital accessibility and usability courses for website, apps, and products
These include:
- Accessibility and usability for websites on desktop and mobile
- Accessibility and usability of apps
- Accessible and usable visual design
- Accessible and usable product design
- JAWS or NVDA bespoke training
- Accessibility social media training.
Technical web development courses including:
- Introduction to digital accessibility
- Website accessibility for developers
- Web accessibility for designers
- Web accessibility for content authors.
Vispero / RNIB JAWS for Kiosks
JAWS for Kiosk software is a screen reader that provides a text-to-speech audio output on self-service kiosks.
It can be used with both Microsoft Windows and Android operating systems. JAWS for Kiosk provides customisable, context-specific instructional messaging to assist users with disabilities and is available in more than 40 languages with a variety of voice options.
JAWS for kiosk software ensures that many blind and partially sighted people can independently check in without support.
RNIB training courses
RNIB can equip you to better understand the needs of patients who are visually impaired. We have a range of training courses from sight loss awareness, guiding, how to ask people about their required communication formats to navigating life with sight loss.
We will work with you and your front-line teams to ensure everyone has a positive patient experience. All RNIB trainers have sight loss.
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RNIB Business Services
Our Business Services team can provide you with solutions through a range of free and paid services. Find out more here [link].
RNIB Easy Read
We provide RNIB Easy Read and have expanded the reach of Easy Read to include people with sight loss who also have a learning disability. Easy Read also helps when English is not your first language. Find out more here.
Key contact
Email the team at [email protected] or telephone 01733 375370 to discuss all your requirements. Alternatively, view our range of services online at RNIB Business Services
