AQW 21890/22-27

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 04/02/2025
Answered On Date: 27/02/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities whether he will update his Department’s communications policy to ensure all consultations and communications include accessible options such as, but not limited to, Easy Read, as common practice rather than on request.

Answer:

My Department currently follows and will continue to follow best practice in this area. Officials strive to ensure that all published departmental information and communications are considered for alternative formats, including Easy Read, producing these at first publication whenever it is appropriate to do so. Thereafter, any alternative formats requested are provided promptly for those that require them. This process is in keeping with the ‘Accessible communication formats’ guidance provided by the Cabinet Office and Disability Unit.

Officials also work to ensure that all digital communications are compliant with the Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations to ensure those using assistive technologies are not disadvantaged in any way.