Channels

Use multiple channels to reach maximum numbers

We absorb a wide range of information every day through radio, television, newspapers, advertising, internet and word of mouth. Some of these methods may be out of reach or inaccessible to some disabled people.

Using a range of channels

Disabled people are likely to have a below average level of access to information. This may be due to financial reasons, limited mobility or because absorbing information can require extra effort.

According to the Ofcom report ‘The Consumer Experience 2007: Telecoms, Internet and Digital Broadcasting’, many disabled people:

do not have access to personal computers
use libraries and other public facilities for email and internet use
may not use computers at all.

Integrated communications planning will help you reach the maximum number of people in a cost-effective way.

Using Clear English

Clear English is easy to understand, concise and jargon-free language. It means producing communications in language that someone with a low reading age or who is not fluent in English can understand.

Using ‘Clear Print’

‘Clear print’describes a way of designing and producing printed material that meets the needs of disabled people, particularly those with visual impairments and dyslexia.

Alternative formats

You should also provide alternative formats. For example be able to respond to requests for provision of the key documents on your website such as your annual report in Braille as well as digitally.

What you can do

Three essentials to remember for maximum accessibility are:

use a range of channels - apply integrated communications planning
use Clear English and Clear Print
provide accessible formats.

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Page last reviewed: 04 November 2010