Let’s Make Health Information Accessible

Date posted: 22nd October 2025

During the summer, NHS England launched a new Self-Assessment Framework to strengthen the Accessible Information Standard (AIS)—a vital step in ensuring blind and partially sighted people get the health and social care information they need, in formats they can use.

Since 2016, AIS has guided NHS and adult social care providers across England to meet the communication needs of people with disabilities and sensory loss. As of 30 June 2025, there is a new requirement – providers like GP surgeries and hospitals must regularly review and respond to individuals’ changing communication needs.

The updated framework helps services check how well they are meeting AIS—and they must now publish their performance annually in accessible formats, showing what they are doing to improve.

This is not just a tick-box exercise. It is about equity, dignity, and inclusion. Everyone deserves clear, accessible health information. So if you are working in a clinical setting, now is the time to act.

Read more Equity of Access to Health and Social Care Services – Thomas Pocklington Trust.

Professionals can read more detailed information on our Professional’s Hub.

NHS England has released detailed guidance on how to implement the new Self-Assessment Framework. See NHS England Accessible information standard.

#MakeHealthAccessible