At Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, we believe that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and understanding and that starts with how we communicate.
We know that not everyone receives or processes information in the same way. Some people may be blind or partially sighted. Others may be deaf or hard of hearing. Some may have a learning disability, a speech or language difficulty, or be neurodivergent such as autistic, dyslexic, or living with ADHD. For many people, standard letters, leaflets, or conversations just don’t work.
That’s why we follow the Accessible Information Standard (AIS). This is a national NHS requirement that helps us make sure that you can understand the information we give you, and that we understand how best to communicate with you.
Whether you need information in large print, an interpreter, extra time in appointments, or just a quieter space to talk—we’re here to listen and adapt. We want you to feel confident, informed, and involved in every part of your care.
This page explains what the Accessible Information Standard means for you, what support you can expect from us, and how to let us know what you need.
Because good care starts with good communication and that starts with you.
The AIS is a national standard that all NHS and adult social care services must follow. It’s about making sure that people who have communication needs because of a disability, impairment, or sensory loss—can:
- Understand the information they are given
- Communicate effectively with staff
- Be involved in decisions about their care and treatment
This might mean providing information in a different format or offering communication support during appointments.
Yes. If you are autistic, have ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or another neurodivergent condition, you may process information differently and that matters.
You might:
- Prefer written information over verbal explanations (or vice versa)
- Need extra time to process or respond
- Find busy environments overwhelming
- Benefit from visual aids, plain language, or structured communication
We will work with you to understand what helps you feel safe, informed, and in control.
You can ask for:
- Easy Read or plain English versions of documents
- Written summaries of appointments
- Visual aids or diagrams
- Quiet spaces or reduced sensory environments
- Extra time during appointments
- Support from someone you trust (like a carer or advocate)
- Large print, braille, audio, or BSL interpreters if needed
We’ll do our best to meet your needs and preferences.
You can:
- Speak to a member of staff at any time
- Let us know when you book an appointment
You can also ask a carer, family member, or support worker to tell us on your behalf.
We will:
- Record your needs in your health or care record
- Flag them so staff can see them easily
- Share them (with your permission) with other services involved in your care
- Act on them every time we communicate with you
This helps us make sure you don’t have to repeat yourself and that your needs are respected across all services.
Yes. Your needs might change over time, and that’s okay. Just let us know and we’ll update your record.
Yes. Our staff receive training on accessible communication and how to support people with a wide range of needs including neurodivergent people. We also work with specialist services when needed to make sure we’re providing the right support.
Yes. If someone helps you communicate or understand information, we’re happy to involve them—if that’s what you want. We’ll always ask for your permission first.
If you’d like to read the full details of the Accessible Information Standard, including what NHS organisations are required to do, you can explore the official guidance from NHS England.
These documents explain how services must identify, record, flag, share, and meet the communication needs of people with disabilities, sensory loss, or who are neurodivergent.
Official NHS England Guidance
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🔗 Accessible Information Standard – Full Requirements (DAPB1605):The complete standard, including legal duties and practical steps for implementation.
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🔗 Implementation Guidance:Advice for NHS and social care organisations on how to apply the standard in practice.
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🔗 Accessible Versions:Easy Read, British Sign Language (BSL), and other formats to help everyone access the information.
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🔗 Self-Assessment Framework:A tool for organisations to check how well they are meeting the standard.
Understanding Accessible Information Standard
Understanding Accessible Information Standard (AIS) – BSL Version
If you would like to receive material from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare or our key publications in another format – such as audio, Clear Information, Easy Read, British Sign Language, interpreter services, large print, or Braille – please contact the Communications Team via e-mail at hiowh.communications@nhs.net