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The Accessible Information Standard (AIS) sets out a specific, consistent approach to identifying, recording, flagging, sharing and meeting the information and communication support needs of patients, service users, carers and parents with a disability, impairment or sensory loss.

All organisations that provide NHS care and/or publicly-funded adult social care are legally required to follow the Accessible Information Standard.

The AIS was refreshed in 2025 and some important changes were made to:

  • add a sixth ‘review stage’ to help improve compliance with the Standard
  • introduce a self-assessment framework to support with assurance and compliance

In addition, the language and structure of the Standard has been updated to:

  • make it easier for organisations to implement and to comply with their obligations
  • clarify organisations’ responsibilities
  • incorporate legislative changes since the introduction of the Standard in 2016
  • incorporate lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic
  • make the Standard compatible with the Care Quality Commission’s assessment framework
  • ensure the implementation guidance reflects current best practice
  • change the standard’s reference number from DCB1605 to DAPB1605

Watch the video below to learn how the AIS affects patients and service users from across Gloucestershire.

Who does the AIS support?

The AIS supports people who:

  • are deaf
  • are blind
  • are deafblind
  • are autistic
  • are living with dementia
  • have a learning disability
  • have a hearing and/or visual loss
  • have communication difficulties following a stroke
  • parents and carers also have rights under the AIS

What are the ‘six steps of the Standard?

Basic compliance with the AIS requires 6 actions to be taken:

  1. Ask: find out if people have communication and information needs.
  2. Record: record those needs in a clear and standardised way in electronic or paper-based systems.
  3. Flag: use alert systems to generate specific formats or to clearly indicate needs to others.
  4. Share: include records as part of data sharing and treatment and referral processes.
  5. Act: take steps to ensure people’s information and communications needs are met.
  6. Review: regularly review needs and ensure records are up to date

AIS training sessions are being delivered across the system. Please contact your lead for further information.

General resources

Meeting the needs of deaf people

Meeting the needs of people who have a learning disability

Meeting the needs of people who are blind or have sight loss