What is accessible information?

Accessible information is information that can be understood by everyone.

Sometimes this is difficult to do with one version of the information. Sometimes we can offer different versions like a written document plus a video.

At Inclusion Ireland we include a video version of our publications with all of the information written on the screen in an easy-to-read and easy-to-understand way.

We add pictures to help people understand what it is saying for people who may not fully understand the words.

The words are also spoken in the video.

Accessible information makes a lot of sense when you think about all the many ways people communicate.

We have a great team of people who use easy-to-read information and help us to make our publications. They read our information and tell us if it is accessible and how to make it better.

At Inclusion Ireland we are trying to make our information more accessible every day. We will continue to learn from you and upskill in accessible ways to produce information. If there is a way that we can make our information more accessible to you then please let us know.

Your right to accessible information

Your right to accessible information is protected in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities under Article 21.

Article 21 – Freedom of expression and opinion, and access to information.

  • Providing information intended for the general public to persons with disabilities in accessible formats and technologies.
  • Accepting and facilitating AAC.
  • Recognising and promoting ISL.
  • Encouraging the media to use accessible communication.

There are other laws and policies that protect your right to accessible information in specific ways such as the Public Sector Duty and The European Accessibility Act, 2019.

You can learn about Public Sector Duty here: https://www.ihrec.ie/our-work/public-sector-duty/

For a great overview of the EU Accessibility Act check out Mason, Hayes and Curran here~: https://www.mhc.ie/latest/insights/overview-of-the- european-accessibility-act

Useful Resources

www.ahead.ie/allyship-accessible-comms (accessible communications in the classroom) www.nda.ie/accessibility for all the latest updates in accessible communication including the EU Web Accessibility Directive, their own accessibility toolkit and their work with The Centre for Excellence in Universal Design (CEUD) on implementing the new European digital accessibility standards.

www.photosymbols.com (Foundation Course in Easy Read)

The Housing Agency for great examples of incorporating accessible information practices in the public sector: The National Housing Strategy for Disabled People 2021-2017 and Housing Options.

https://www.housingagency.ie/sites/default/files/2023- 01/Housing 20Options 20Easy 20to 20Read 20We b 20version.pdf

https://www.housingagency.ie/sites/default/files/2022- 01/National 20Housing 20Strategy 20for 20Disable d 20People 20Executive 20Summary 202022- 2027 20Easy 20Read 20Version.pdf