§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Prime Minister what action Government Departments have taken, or will be taking, to improve official communications with people who are visually impaired by providing more information in large print, braille or on tape; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterA number of Government publications have already been produced for people who are visually impaired. Examples are given in the following table:
BRAILLE
- Cabinet Office
- The Citizen's Charter First Report: A Guide (also available in audio cassette version)
- Agriculture, Fisheries and Food>
- New Microwave Labels (to be issued shortly—also available in audio cassette and large print versions)
- Employment
- Jobseeker's Charter
- P.A.C.T. (Placing, assessment and counselling teams)
- Environment
- Council Tax: A Guide to the New Tax for Local Governments (also available in audio cassette and large print versions)
- Council Tax: Liability, Discounts and Exemptions (also available in audio cassette and large print versions)
- Council Tax: Valuation and Banding (also available in audio cassette and large print versions)
- Council Tax: How to Appeal (also available in audio cassette and large print versions)
- Council Tax: Transitional Deduction Scheme (also available in audio cassette and large print versions)
- Health
- Patient's Charter (also available in audio cassette version)
- NHS Reforms and You (also available in Moon and audio cassette versions)
- Northern Ireland
- HPSS Charter for Patients and Clients
- Social Security
- Parents Who Live Apart (also available in audio cassette version)
- Guide for the Disabled
AUDIO CASSETTE
- Cabinet Office
- The Citizen's Charter: A Guide
- Education
- Special Education Needs Charter
- Parent's Charter
- Your Child and the National Curriculum: A Parent's Guide
- Grants and Loans
- Testing 7 Year Olds
- Testing 14 Year Olds
- Children with Special Needs: A Guide for Parents
- Environment
- Council Tenant's Charter
- Health
- Health of the Nation
- While You Are Pregnant—Safe Eating
- Elderly Health
377 - Community Care Changes in April 1993 (tapes also available in ethnic minority languages)
- Home Office
- Practical Ways to Crack Crime
- Prisoners Information Pack
- Fire Safety in the Home
- Social Security
- Disability Living Allowance (tapes also available in ethnic minority languages)
- Disability Working Allowance (tapes also available in ethnic minority languages)
- People with Learning Difficulties
- Care in the Community (tapes also available in ethnic minority languages)
- Transport
- Door to Door Transport—A Guide to Transport for People with Disabilities
- How To Use A Puffin
- LARGE PRINT
- Health
- Keep Warm, Keep Well (also available in audio cassette version)
- Community Care Changes in April 1993
- Home Office
- Fire Safety Advice
- Fire Safety Advice for Disabled People
- Social Security
- The Guide to New Benefits for the Disabled
- Care in the Community
Moreover the citizens charter, which calls on public services to make sure information about services is easily accessible to all their users, is putting fresh emphasis on the need for effective communication with those who have special needs, including people who are visually impaired.