Gateways guidance: 7.3 Accessible information

As a reasonable adjustment, course information may need to be made available in accessible formats such as email, Braille, large print, audiotape and computer disc. As part of the anticipatory duty, most general information, such as university policies and course leaflets, should be offered in a range of formats.

The use of assistive technologies, such as text phones, can be of great help at the enquiry stage. A text phone is used by people who are deaf and it has a keyboard for typing messages and a screen for reading them. Appropriate staff should be trained in their use.

Medical schools’ duties also cover open days, campus tours, summer schools, recruitment fairs, taster courses and schemes with secondary schools. Accessible information should be provided on the role of the Disability Support Office to make applicants aware of all available support from an early stage.

Medical schools should provide clear, accessible information on their websites and in their literature about the competence requirements of medical education. All staff involved in applications, selection, counselling or occupational health should be aware of how competency can be measured and assessed using reasonable adjustments.

Where possible, and subject to the preferences of the individuals concerned, information should be:

• offered in both visual and audible formats available in different font sizes
• available with different background and foreground colours
• available without enhancements such as boxes
• easily navigable if electronic, using either a mouse or keys.