In 2008, a group of Speech and Language Therapists working on a national level with adults with intellectual disabilities set up an Accessible Information Working Group. The group had already produced a symbols pack to support Personal Outcome Measures in 2005. A number of groups around the country were producing easy to read information nationally, however, this was not always in keeping with best practise guidelines and the symbols and formats used were not consistent across services. So it was decided to set up a national group to include all relevant bodies involved in producing accessible information in Ireland in order to drive and further inform best practise in the area of accessible information.
Terms of reference:
The group’s terms of reference have been adapted from Portsmouth City NHS Accessible Information Group, terms of reference.
- Evidence based: The group will source the published guidelines and research evidence relating to accessible information. The evidence will be critiqued and applied locally.
- Best practice: the group is a forum for discussing and reporting on best practice and can draw on the experience of its members. The group will outline best practice based on local anecdotal information. Local evidence will be appraised on an annual basis.
- The group will develop guidelines/produce advice that widely relates to all care groups and a variety of other services.
- To look at the potential need for the creation of a mixed group of individuals, at a local and national level, which will be involved in the idea generation process/critique and appraisal of ‘easy read’ information.
- Networking to promote a consistent approach,
- Recommendations – to identify knowledge, resources and training needs.
- Local Groups will be created and feed back to the core group.
The national guideline document aims to make information accessible for all people with disabilities and people who may not have English as their first language The group is currently completing its work through regional sub-groups, each with a dedicated task of work. The group aims to publish the guidelines by the end of 2009.
Members of the Group
The members of the group are:
Teresa Gadd, St. Michael's House
Sarah Coughlan, St. Michael's House
Michael Foley, National Disability Authority
Maura Bolger, Brothers of Charity Waterford
Adeline Quinn, Stewarts Hospital
Marion Earley, Western Care Association
Rozanne Barrow, Beaumount Hospital
Frances Casey, HSE
Grainne Tinney, Prosper Fingal
Deirdre O’ Donoghue, Ability West
Stephanie O'Connor, Cheeverstown House
Karen Henderson, Cheeverstown House
Antoinette Fennell, National Disability Authority
Aine Nic Ailegain, Inclusion Ireland
Breda Casey, National Federation of Voluntary Bodies