Accessibility Statement

Overview 

Introduction: This policy will ensure that Elevate Learning Provision (The Company) has a clear, consistent, transparent, and fair approach to providing accessible, inclusive information and communication support to all.  

The policy covers all Elevate Learning Provision’s ‘corporate business,’ including both internal and external communication, and should be followed by all Elevate Learning Provision and Thrive Alternative Provision staff.  

Why is accessible information important? 

·         Effective information and communication are vital components of a ‘person-centred organisation ’. Many people interested in the work of Elevate Learning Provision may have difficulty understanding the information provided. 

·        This may be because they are blind, d/Deaf, have a learning disability, or have limited or no English. 

·         It may be because they need support in terms of reading (limited literacy) or they have a condition that limits their ability to communicate (for example following a brain injury or a stroke). 

·         Children and young people have specific communication requirements too. 

·         It is important, therefore, that information is presented in an accessible way, and where appropriate in a range of languages and formats that are easily used and understood by the intended audience. 

·         Elevate Learning Provision believes that providing accessible information will help to improve access to services, promote social inclusion and enable people to make more informed choices about their care. 

·         For staff, the provision of accessible information will aid communication with service users, support effective engagement activity, and support choice, personalisation and empowerment. It will also promote the effective and efficient use of resources. 

·         The provision of accessible information can reduce inequalities and barriers to good health and well-being. 

·         The implementation of this policy will demonstrate that Elevate Learning Provision is meeting its legal duties to reduce inequalities between patients in access to health services and in the outcomes achieved. 

·         Providing accessible information can also be key to promoting a diverse workforce. 

·         It supports Elevate Learning Provision’s ability to expand beyond the equality issues that are covered by the law, including the Equality Act 2010, and build on proven approaches to equal opportunities, adding new impetus to the development of employment policies, practices and processes. 

·         This approach supports the creation of an inclusive environment in which enhanced contributions are encouraged and welcomed by all employees, helping to build a workforce that is representative of the communities served by Elevate Learning Provision and supporting the reduction of health inequalities. 

Principles of accessible communication 

·         3 Principles Elevate Learning Provision’s principles about accessible information and communication reflect the mission of “High-quality care for all…” 

·         Elevate Learning Provision also believes that planned and appropriate use of limited resources will make this care sustainable “…now and for future generations.” 

·         Elevate Learning Provision believes that all staff have a responsibility to make information and online content accessible and inclusive.  

Strategies to support accessible communication. 

·         Staff should make all reasonable efforts to ensure that everyone can find out about and engage with Elevate Learning Provision, including identifying and removing barriers caused by inaccessible information and/or a need for interpretation or communication support.  

English as an additional language 

·         Where appropriate (and as outlined in this policy), individuals who need access to an interpreter, advocate or other communication professional to enable them to engage with Elevate Learning Provision will be provided with such support, arranged and funded by Elevate Learning Provision.  

·         Where policies, publications or events are targeted at or are particularly relevant to, people with particular communication needs, proactive steps should be taken to ensure that information and activities are accessible to relevant group(s).  

·         Information will be provided in alternative formats and languages as quickly as possible following acceptance of a request and without unreasonable delay. 

·         In these instances, staff should arrange and book the translation, interpretation or transcription of information of which they or their team are the author, commissioner or programme lead. 

·         If an interpreter is required, care should be taken to book a professional with the correct language expertise (taking account of dialect where appropriate), including a recognised qualification, and with any particular specialist skills which may be needed. 

·         Consideration should also be given to the use of interpreters with knowledge or experience in particular areas, for example, healthcare, and to the gender of the interpreter, depending on context and subject matter. 

·         Note that additional time will be needed to conduct a conversation that an interpreter supports, and allowance should be made for this as necessary. 

·         Elevate Learning Provision, staff should ensure that relevant records include details of any information and/or communication needs. In line with the 

 Learning difficulties 

Good communication is effective in enabling an individual to engage in meaningful dialogue with Elevate Learning Provision. 

Staff may have to adapt their style and tone to meet an individual's needs, or adopt particular techniques or use communication aids. 

Staff should, as far as is practical, promote and use all communication aids and support required.  

Staff must remain aware that some communication needs may be invisible or not immediately apparent, and individuals should be asked to self-identify any needs they have. 

Hearing impaired 

Individuals who have limited or no English, or who use British Sign Language (BSL) or the deafblind manual alphabet, should have access to a professional interpreter arranged and paid for by Elevate Learning Provision where this is needed to enable them to participate in Elevate Learning Provision meetings or events, or to communicate effectively when making an enquiry or complaint. 

Digital or print information 

All digital or printed information or documentation sent to service users by Elevate Learning Provision Staff or company agents should offer the following options: 

o   Writing in a larger font 

o   Sent as Braille 

o   Text-phone 

o   Sent in another language. 

This information can be made available in alternative formats, such as easy read or large print, and may be available in alternative languages, upon request. Please contact admin@ElevateLearningProvision.co.uk 

Conclusions 

Under the Accessible Information Standard, individuals should be asked to self-define their needs, and a record should be made of any and all requirements for: alternative or specific contact method(s); professional interpretation or communication support; information in an alternative language or format; adjustments or aids to support effective communication.