Do you sometimes find it hard to understand
printed information?
Many people find information hard to understand, and people with dementia
will find this harder as their dementia progresses.
One reason for this is brain damage, caused by dementia.
But another reason is that information is poorly written
or laid out.
This webpage explains what to do if you have been given information that
you cannot understand.
Disability Discrimination Act
Under the Disability Discrimination Act, service providers have to make
sure that their services are easier for disabled people to use.
- To find out what 'service provider' means, click
here to go to the notes at the bottom of the page.
- People with dementia qualify as 'disabled' under the Act so long as
the dementia has an effect on your ability to carry out 'normal day-to-day'
activities.
If you have been given some information you can’t understand,
what should you do?
Step 1 - talk to the organisation
The first step is to talk to the organisation.
If you don’t feel confident doing this alone, then ask someone
to help you.
For more information and tips about how to talk to them, click
here.
If you prefer, you can skip this step and write to them instead, as shown
in step 2.
Step 2 - write a formal letter
If you can’t sort out the problem by talking to the organisation,
then the next step is to write formally to them.
We have adapted a letter from the Disability Rights
Commission for you to use.
Simply print it out, fill in the information in the boxes and post it
to the organisation.
The letter is available here in either MS Word or PDF format.
We have also produced an example of what the letter might look like
once it is filled in. Click
here to open the PDF file.
Step 3 - take the matter futher
If the organisation doesn’t respond to you, or gives a
response that you are unhappy with, then you will need to get help to
take the matter further.
There are a variety of organisations that might be able to help you take
further action under the Disability Discrimination Act.
For more information and contact details for organisations that might
be able to help, click here to go to the
notes at the bottom of the page.
It is important that you take this step within 6 months, as that is the
limit for taking legal action.
Notes:
What is a service provider?
Anyone who provides a service to the public is a service provider.
Examples of service providers are;
- Hospitals
- Social services
- Hotels
- Shops
- Banks
- Schools
- Building Societies
- Information Services
- Communication Services
- Public Buildings
- Recreational Facilities
- Employment Agencies
Click here to return to information about the Disability
Discrimination Act
Organisations that might be able to help you take your case forwards include:
Equality and Human Rights Commission Disability Helpline (England)
There are many different ways to contact the Helpline. Click here to visit
their website for more information http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/
(the website also give details of helplines in Scotland and Wales.
…or you can call them on 08457 622 633. Their lines are open between
8 o’clock in the morning and 8 0’clock in the evening, Monday
to Friday.
Citizen Advice Bureau
For free and impartial advice.
You will find your local office in the phonebook or at the website by
clicking here http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/index/getadvice.htm#searchbox
Law Centres
Law Centres provide a free and independent professional legal service
to people who live or work in their catchment areas.
To find your nearest law centre visit their website. You will find a link
to on the right-hand side of this page - http://www.lawcentres.org.uk/lawcentres/
Innovations in Dementia is not associated with any of these organisations,
but provides their contact details in good faith.
Click here to return to information about taking your
complaint further
Any comments?
Please contact us with any comments or suggestions about the information
on this page (including how easy it is to understand!)
We would also be interested to hear from anyone who has gone through
the process.
Email Steve at steve@innovationsindementia.org.uk
Innovations in Dementia CIC, PO Box 616, Exeter, EX1 9JB
Registered as a community interest company No. 06046815.
Find out more about community interest companies
© Innovations in dementia CIC 2008
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