Do you sometimes find it hard to understand
printed information?
If you can’t understand information provided by an organisation,
tell them about it.
Remember that it is in their interest to make sure more people can use
their service.
- Ask to speak to someone in charge. If no one is
available, get their name and contact details.
- Explain the problems you have with their information.
You might want to tell them that you have dementia.
- Give examples of how they can make changes. For
example by dividing up long passages of information with headings, or
using less jargon.
- Ask them if they already have something planned to overcome
the problem. They may have already realised there is an issue
and be in the process of solving it.
- Be positive and constructive when talking to them.
Some organisations providing services are nervous and unsure about what
the Disability Discrimination Act says in terms of access. A positive
and helpful approach will be more likely to result in a better solution.
Signpost them to more information. For example, the Disability Rights
Commission's website - http://www.drc-gb.org/ - gives information on
how a variety of businesses and organisations can become accessible.
- You could point out that making information easier to use
by people with dementia makes it easier for other people as well.
The better people can understand their information, the more likely
they are to use their services.
If they agree to make changes when you talk to them,
ask if they can put it all in a letter to you. It will help you follow
up your enquiry if nothing happens in the future.
If you don't have any luck talking to the person in
charge, ask for the contact details for their head office or an appropriate
person with more authority.
Return to information about steps to take to complain about information
that is difficult to understand - click here
This information has been adapted from the website of the Disability
Rights Commission.
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
Privacy statement
|
