Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 335: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she publishes documents on matters of concern to persons with disabilities in easy-read format; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35388/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Department provides information on the range of schemes and services, including documents of interest to people with disabilities, in an accessible format on the Departments website www.welfare.ie. This allows customers view these documents in large print view, high contrast view or, alternatively, using assistive technology to access the information. Information leaflets and application forms are provided in a format accessible for people with specific needs, such as Braille, audio tape or large print, on request.

The Department works in partnership with the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) in implementing a "Plain English" policy to ensure that all forms and leaflets are produced in a simple, clear, easy to read format that is accessible to people with different levels of literacy ability. The Department also engages NALA to provide training to staff on the use of plain English in all communications with customers. I am satisfied that the Department facilitates access to information on social welfare entitlements for citizens with disabilities or reading difficulties.