Accessible information on Self-directed Support – lived experience research report

The ALLIANCE has published a report on people's experiences of accessible information around Self-directed Support and social care.

The ALLIANCE recently completed a consultation on behalf of the Scottish Government to inform the implementation of the SDS improvement plan 2023-27. The findings of that research are now available in a report.

One key activity in the SDS Improvement Plan is to ensure the provision of accessible information and communication around SDS. This includes communication and support planning and promotion and signposting of appropriate tools and language services.

From December 2023 to February 2024, the ALLIANCE carried out a small-scale mixed methods research project (a national online survey, focus groups, and one-to-one interviews). The national online survey, focus groups, and interviews covered people’s experiences of accessible information around SDS, and reflections on what works well, what does not work well, and what needs to change.

A BSL video of the report summary, with captions and voiceover, is available below:

There was widespread agreement among participants that SDS is not publicised enough for people who are Deaf, Deafblind, or who have Visual Impairments – and more needs to be done on introducing SDS in accessible formats.

People who are Deaf, Deafblind or who have Visual Impairments highlighted a range of difficulties in receiving information that was accessible to them when they needed it. They outlined a lack of awareness of how to provide accessible information, particularly from professionals, such as social care workers, social workers, occupational therapists, as well as GPs, audiologists and opticians.

While provision of BSL interpreters from local authorities and Health and Social Care Partnerships (HSCPs) was welcome, people also highlighted a lack of resources, resulting in delays to assessments and support.

Respondents recommended more sensory awareness training for healthcare professionals and social workers, including signposting to accessible information.

The report made recommendations in the following areas:

• Increasing and improving accessible information on SDS
• Enabling social work professionals to be more flexible in how they share information
• Involving people with lived experience in providing training and testing accessibility of systems
• Taking a digital choice approach to all systems design around accessible information
• Improving sensory awareness and inclusive communication training.

Based on the consultation findings, the ALLIANCE has published a report containing reflections and recommendations for potential areas of action. These are also informed by our wider work in this area.

A full version and a summary version of the report are available in Word and PDF formats at the links below.

If you have any questions about the research, please email the Scottish Sensory Hub team at sensory@alliance-scotland.org.uk.

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