Accessible Information Standard Training Course

Imagine a health or social care setting where every person’s communication needs are fully understood and met. The Accessible Information Standard (AIS) helps make this vision a reality. AIS ensures people with disabilities or sensory loss receive information in a way they can access and understand. This includes offering information in formats such as Braille, British Sign Language (BSL), or large print, so that no one feels excluded from their care.

This Accessible Information Standard course will help you understand AIS, its five steps, and how to meet the needs of people who use services. By the end, you will be confident in identifying, recording, and addressing communication needs in your workplace.

Why Take This eLearning Course?

When you work in a health or social care setting, you need to know how to respond to the communication needs of people who use services. This not only improves their experience but ensures your organisation complies with AIS. Understanding AIS means you can reduce barriers for individuals with disabilities or sensory loss and ensure they can access information effectively.

By learning about AIS, you help tackle health inequalities, promote better outcomes for the people you work with, and support legal requirements like the Equality Act 2010. You also make your workplace more inclusive and effective in delivering care.

This course is perfect if you aim to:

• Build strong communication skills to meet diverse needs.
• Meet compliance requirements under AIS regulations.
• Ensure your organisation delivers better service and care.
• Create positive outcomes for people with sensory loss or disabilities.

Learning Outcomes

This training breaks down the Accessible Information Standard into simple, practical steps. You’ll learn how to support people across different settings with the right communication tools and techniques.

The course covers:

1. The purpose of AIS and its role in improving people’s experiences in care.
2. How AIS applies to people who use services, parents, and carers with disabilities or sensory loss.
3. The five steps to implement AIS: Ask, Record, Alert, Share, Act.
4. Different methods for providing accessible information, like Braille, BSL, visual cues, or Makaton.
5. Key legislation driving AIS practices, including the Equality Act 2010.
6. Best communication strategies suited to specific needs, such as mental health service users or people with learning disabilities.
7. How to make sure your workplace stays on top of AIS compliance.

You’ll leave with tools to communicate effectively, accessibly, and in line with best practices.

Accessible Information Standard (AIS) Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to the Accessible Information Standard (AIS)
Learners will be introduced to the Accessible Information Standard and gain a clear understanding of what AIS is and why it exists. This module explains the purpose of the standard and its relevance within health and social care settings. Learners will explore who AIS applies to, including patients, carers, parents, and individuals with disabilities or sensory loss, and why identifying communication needs is a fundamental part of inclusive care.

Module 2: Importance of the Accessible Information Standard
This module focuses on why accessible information is essential for individuals with disabilities, impairments, or sensory loss. Learners will examine how barriers to communication can lead to health inequalities and poorer outcomes. The module explains how AIS helps reduce these inequalities and supports safer, more effective, and more person-centred care.

Module 3: Scope and Responsibilities Under AIS
Learners will explore the scope of the Accessible Information Standard and the responsibilities placed on organisations. This module explains what compliance with AIS means for health and social care providers and why meeting these duties is essential for quality, safety, and equality in service delivery. A knowledge check supports understanding of organisational accountability.

Module 4: The Five Steps of the Accessible Information Standard
This module provides a detailed overview of the five-step AIS framework. Learners will understand how to ask individuals about their communication and information needs, record these needs clearly, alert relevant staff, and act to meet identified requirements effectively. The module emphasises consistency and accuracy in applying the five steps in everyday practice.

Module 5: Providing Accessible Information
Learners will explore practical ways of delivering information in accessible formats. This module covers common methods such as Braille, large print, easy read, British Sign Language, and other communication support options. Learners will examine clear communication strategies and how to tailor information to meet the needs of different individuals and groups.

Module 6: Relevant Legislation Supporting AIS
This module examines the legal framework that underpins the Accessible Information Standard. Learners will explore key legislation, including the Equality Act 2010, and how these laws support compliance, equality, and best practice. The module explains how legal duties link directly to accessible communication in care settings. A knowledge check reinforces learning.

Module 7: Impact of AIS on Service Users
Learners will examine how the Accessible Information Standard improves outcomes for individuals with disabilities or sensory loss. This module highlights the positive impact of accessible communication on safety, independence, understanding, and engagement with services. Practical examples show how AIS can lead to more responsive and inclusive service delivery.

Module 8: Best Practices and Communication Methods
This module focuses on best practice approaches to communication in health and social care. Learners will explore how to communicate respectfully and effectively with service users using tailored methods such as Makaton, large print, visual aids, or supported conversation techniques. The emphasis is on adapting communication to individual needs rather than expecting individuals to adapt to services.

Module 9: Implementation and Training
Learners will explore how AIS is implemented within social care settings. This module explains the importance of clear procedures, governance arrangements, and consistent practice. Learners will understand why staff training and ongoing support are essential to maintaining compliance and confidence when meeting communication needs.

Module 10: Ongoing Compliance and Verification
This module focuses on maintaining compliance with the Accessible Information Standard over time. Learners will explore how AIS practices should be reviewed and updated, why data accuracy matters, and the importance of supporting documentation. The module highlights the need for continuous improvement and regular checks.

Module 11: Assessment and Assurance of Compliance
In the final module, learners will examine how compliance with AIS is assessed and assured. This includes understanding the role of commissioners, audits, and IT systems in supporting accessible information practices. Learners will reflect on how robust systems and accountability help ensure the Accessible Information Standard is embedded into everyday care.

Target Audience

This course is for anyone working in health or social care settings, including:

• Care workers supporting people with sensory loss or disabilities.
• Managers responsible for service quality and legal compliance.
• Health professionals delivering frontline care.
• Staff involved in patient communication, such as admin teams handling appointment bookings.
• Professionals working with parents or carers who need accessible information.

No prior experience with AIS is required. Whether you’re new to this area or want a refresher, this course offers something valuable for everyone.

FAQ

What is AIS?
The Accessible Information Standard (AIS) is a national framework in England. It ensures health and social care organisations meet the communication needs of people with disabilities or sensory loss.

Why is AIS important for my role?
If you work directly with people who use services, you’ll need to communicate effectively. AIS guides you on how to meet legal requirements and improve interactions for people who require accessible information.

Is this course relevant for managers?
Yes, managers can learn how to implement and oversee AIS practices in their team or organisation. The course helps you align procedures with AIS requirements.

What methods of accessible information does the course cover?
You’ll explore methods like Braille, BSL, Makaton, easy-read, and assistive technologies. You’ll also learn how to choose strategies for different needs.

How does AIS link to current legislation?
AIS goes hand in hand with laws like the Equality Act 2010 and the Health and Social Care Act 2008. These laws promote equality and ensure care services act inclusively.

How will this course help my organisation stay compliant?
You’ll learn practical steps to follow AIS, alongside monitoring and review processes. This means you can maintain good standards and provide evidence of compliance when needed.

By completing this AIS course, you not only meet important requirements but also create better experiences for the people you work with. Join this training today and take the next step towards making a real difference in health and social care.