Decision details

Decision(s):

That the updated Accessible Communications Policy 2022 at Appendix A be approved.

Reasons for the Recommendation(s):

The Council is required by law to implement such a policy and it is recognised good

practice. NHS England Accessible Information Standard states Councils need to have

an Accessible Communication’s Policy. The Equalities Act also requires the Council to make reasonable adjustments and the Care Act 2014 requires good quality, useable

information to be provided to the public.

The existing policy has been updated to reflect the changes to the guidance for public service websites.  The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (known as WCAG 2.1) are an internationally recognised set of recommendations for improving web accessibility.

They explain how to make digital services, websites and apps accessible to everyone, including users with impairments to their:

·       vision - like severely sight impaired (blind), sight impaired (partially sighted) or colour blind people

·       hearing - like people who are deaf or hard of hearing

·       mobility - like those who find it difficult to use a mouse or keyboard

·       thinking and understanding - like people with dyslexia, autism or learning difficulties.

Services must achieve WCAG 2.1 level AA as part of meeting government accessibility requirements.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected: (including any Risk Implications)

There are no alternative options.