People with communications difficulties, like everyone else, need to access information that allows them to carry on their day to day lives, and are disadvantaged if this is not available to them. Similarly, people from minority ethnic communities may face language barriers that prevent them from getting best value from services. Organizations that take this into account are likely to provide a better and more cost-effective service, and comply with their legal obligations.
The Procedural Guidance on Alternative Formats, Interpretation and Translation will help Council services to:
· Engage effectively with service users and the wider community
· Understand the needs and priorities of their current and potential service users
· Provide better services
· Promote Best Value and address issues of community wellbeing
· Fulfil their statutory duties as service providers
· Fulfil their statutory duties as employers
The procedures cover use of:
Braille
Large print
Audio
CD ROM
Sign language interpreting
Community language interpreting
Language Line
Community language translation
For access to the procedures click here.
The procedures are based on ‘Communicating Effectively’, the Council’s guide to communication with disabled people and people from minority ethnic groups.
For more information on Communicating Effectively click here.
The procedures contribute to the approach to equality and diversity set out in the Council's Equality Scheme 2009-12. To view the Equality Scheme 2009-12 click here.
