The next few sections set out fundamental principles for producing information in a variety of accessible formats. However, remember that every person has individual requirements – it should never be assumed that all people with similar impairments have the same communication needs.

For example:

• not all deaf or hearing impaired people understand British Sign Language (BSL)
• not all blind or visually impaired people can read Braille

Therefore it is important to offer information in a range of formats so that people can specify which format is most suitable for their personal needs.

Alternative formats

As well producing standard text formats, service providers should consider offering their information in the following formats:

• large print
• Braille and tactile images
• audiotape
• electronically – via email, CD, floppy disk, websites (using accessible layout and type)
• videotape/DVD for British Sign Language (BSL) users and lip readers
• easy read – clear words and pictures, aimed at people with learning disabilities
• plain English
• Sign Supported English (SSE)
• text supported by (but not dependent on) illustrations and symbols
• Moon (for blind or partially sighted people)
• touch-talk (for deafblind people)

Alternative methods of communication

Other communication formats include:

• induction loops and infrared systems
• British Sign Language (BSL)
• lip speaking for lip-reading
• television and video/DVD with subtitles
• textphones (minicoms)
• real time computer transcription
• email

There is further information about many of these formats and methods of communication in the next few sections.