Useful links

We have collected some of the best links for learning about accessible communication and put them all in one place for you to use.

Want to add to this list? Send us a message via our contact page or email roz.warden@barnwoodtrust.org

Sign Health
British Sign Language interpreted videos of the government briefings: www.signhealth.org.uk/resources/coronavirus/

Mencap
Accessible information about Covid-19 government guidelines: www.mencap.org.uk/advice-and-support/coronavirus-covid-19

Easy Read Online Facebook Group
A place to talk about and share Easy Read information. Open to anyone who is interested. Moderated by Easy-Read-Online.co.uk – https://www.facebook.com/groups/2843154462396049/about

Inclusion Gloucestershire
Inclusion Gloucestershire have easy to understand pages about Covid-19 information that is regularly updated: www.inclusiongloucestershire.co.uk/covid-19/

Mencap
Information about the Accessible Communication Standard, which ensures people who have a disability, impairment or sensory loss are provided with information that they can easily read or understand, and get support to communicate easily with health and social care services: www.mencap.org.uk/accessible-information-standard

People First
A group of self-advocates with learning disabilities from around the UK have come together to share concerns about the lack of accessible information produced by the government. Read their campaign letter and support the campaign here: www.peoplefirstltd.com/accessible-information-campaign-call-for-signatories/

Communication Matters
Specialist accessible communication advice, including information about symbol-based communication: www.communicationmatters.org.uk/

Government
Guidance for making websites and online content accessible: www.gov.uk/service-manual/helping-people-to-use-your-service/understanding-wcag
For more information about government regulations around the use of face coverings, including the exemptions visit: www.gov.uk/government/publications

Charity Comms
A practical article with advice about how to make your social media accessible: www.charitycomms.org.uk/making-your-social-media-accessible 

London School of Economics
Information and resources to help you undertake an Equality Impact Assessment (EIA), to ensure your practices and your communications are accessible to everyone: www.info.lse.ac.uk/staff/divisions/equity-diversity-and-inclusion/EDI-objectives-data-and-research/Equality-analysis-guidelines

Accessible Business Checklist
There are lots of guides available online to help you undertake an accessibility audit for your place of work. We found this one useful: www.equalityni.org/ECNI/media/ECNI/Publications

Accessible Gloucestershire
Accessible Gloucestershire write reviews about the accessibility of local cafés, hotel and shops. It may be possible to offer an audit of your venue or outlet, so get in touch to find out more: www.accessglos.co.uk/

University of Manchester
The University of Manchester undertook a study about the impact of non-clear face coverings. Results showed that they have “…a profound impact on not only how we communicate, but on how connected we feel with someone, and how willing we are to engage in conversation.” Read more about this research here: www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/news/face-masks-leave-us-feeling-isolated-and-stressed-reveals-survey/

Culture Hive
Culture Hive have published specialist an accessible marketing guide which contains 20 simple ways to increase accessbility: https://www.shapearts.org.uk/Handlers/Download.ashx?IDMF=d9c870ae-6ea8-4ed8-b88e-b08684b791ba

Widgit
An online and software system for creating symbol-based communication that is understood by many people (other symbol-based communication systems are available): www.widgit.com/products

Photo Symbols
An online photo library and essential tool for producing easy read information that is understood by many people (other photo symbol libraries are available): www.photosymbols.com

Inclusion Gloucestershire
Inclusion Gloucestershire provide advice and a commissioning service for easy read information. Find out more at www.inclusiongloucestershire.co.uk/

Gloucestershire Deaf Association
GDA provide advice and a commissioning service for British Sign Language interpreted content. Find out more at www.gda.org.uk/

Hidden Disability Store
Information about the sunflower lanyard scheme for people who have a hidden disability: www.hiddendisabilitiesstore.com/

Easy Read Online
A family run company based in Liverpool who strive to make the highest quality Easy Read versions of your information, quickly, efficiently and for a reasonable price: https://easy-read-online.co.uk/our-services/

Covid Compliance Grant
Council funding is available for community or voluntary groups who can disseminate COVID-19 guidance with tailored communications, to provide engagement or specialist materials for greater reach within their sector or community.  Find out more about the criteria here: www.gloucester.gov.uk/community-living/community-grants/covid-compliance-grant/