Thinklusive: accessible information, communications and consultancy

About Thinklusive

Thinklusive supports the creation & dissemination of information that is accessible to all. We also work with organisations to support the accessibility of their work to support the inclusion of all members of the public.

Over the last 5 years, we have worked with clients and partners across the UK to deliver accessible information and communication projects. We support people to receive information in a way that works for them as well as supporting organisations to meet their statutory duties under the NHSE Accessible Information Standard.

Some of our recent collaborators:

The Thinklusive Advisory Group is our method for co-producing our projects. Group membership includes:

o People with a learning disability

o People with autism

o People with a physical disability

o Experts by experience (sensory/communication needs)

o Consultants with expertise in policy, commissioning and design.

All work is developed in co-production with the Thinklusive Advisory Group.

This group works together to co-create accessible information, communications and accessible solutions, utilising group members' expertise and lived experience. Advisory groups are arranged via online video platforms, face to face meetings or a hybrid model.

We champion inclusion, equality and clarity. We want the way that we communicate to act as an influencer of good practice. We support service transformation by creating new ways of communicating ideas and information.

Thinklusive supports health, social care and private sector organisations to meet obligations set out in the UK Equality Act 2010 and the NHS Accessible Information Standard.

About accessible information:

Accessible Information means creating information/communications in simplified formats, involving clear words and often imagery.

Focused on the end user, we work in various formats including audio, video, simplified text, easy-read, large print and colour contrast alternatives amongst others.

Accessible information will allow for a greater understanding for:

o People who are not familiar with the work/project/topic/service

o People with learning disabilities

o People with literacy difficulties

o People with autism

o People who have dementia

o People experiencing poor mental health

o People experiencing cognitive difficulties as a symptom of a chronic condition

o People with visual / hearing impairments

o Any member of the public

About the Accessible Information Standard:

From 1st August 2016 onwards, all organisations that provide NHS care and / or publicly-funded adult social care are legally required to follow the Accessible Information Standard. The Standard sets out a specific, consistent approach to identifying, recording, flagging, sharing and meeting the information and communication support needs of patients, service users, carers and parents with a disability, impairment or sensory loss.

You can read more about the Accessible Information Standard, here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/accessibleinfo/