Increasing access to information
The Local Authority will:
- offer guidance and training that covers the requirements of an accessibility plan and the specific need to increase access to information
- provide information to children and young people and their families in accessible formats whenever needed
- provide advice to schools from advisory, specialist teaching and outreach services about how best to support children and young people with accessing information
- make sure EHCPs are specific about the provision required to make information to all children and young people more accessible for children and young people with a disability
- make sure any new buildings or extensions to Local Authority buildings are appropriately signed in line with accessibility and health and safety requirements
Schools will:
- include improvements that increase access to information for disabled children and young people in their accessibility plan that is published on the school website
- ensure a proactive approach to researching and using a range of communication techniques and technologies, seeking the advice of relevant professionals where necessary
- monitor and review the skills and expertise of staff to support children and young people with disabilities.
- involve children, young people and their families in decision making processes regarding the accessibility of information
- link to the Local Authority’s Local Offer website from their school’s website
The Council for Disabled Children (CDC) has published guidance specifically for education settings regarding meeting their responsibilities towards disabled pupils under the Equality Act 2010 including:
- reasonable adjustments
- accessibility planning duties
- day-to-day disability duties in school
- strategic duties for leadership and governors