How is North Northamptonshire Council improving information access?

North Northamptonshire Council is collaborating with individuals with learning disabilities and autism to create easy-read documents with simple language and images.

Who is involved in creating the easy-read council documents?

Individuals with lived experience of learning disabilities and autism, known as 'experts by experience,' are assisting in converting council documents.

What is the role of the LIVE team in this initiative?

The LIVE team supports individuals with learning disabilities and autism, empowering them to convert council documents into easy-read formats.

Home / Education / Disability Experts Rewrite Council Docs

Disability Experts Rewrite Council Docs

8 Feb

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Summary

People with disabilities are helping create easy-read council documents.
The initiative aims to improve accessibility for all residents.
Around 50 individuals are supported by the council's LIVE team.

North Northamptonshire Council is actively working to enhance information accessibility for all its residents. The authority has engaged individuals with lived experience of learning disabilities and autism to assist in creating easy-read documents. These documents will feature simplified language, short sentences, and clear imagery, making them more understandable.

This project is designed to benefit not only individuals with disabilities but also those for whom English is a second language. Council deputy leader Eddie McDonald highlighted the importance of informed choices, stating that accessible information can lead to life-changing opportunities and prevent issues like missed payments or accumulating debt.

The council's Learning Independence Volunteering Employment (LIVE) team supports around 50 people with learning disabilities and autism. These individuals, termed "experts by experience," will play a crucial role in converting various council documents into an easy-read format. The council is exploring the possibility of extending this service to other organizations and businesses in the future.