HC Deb 26 July 1993 vol 229 cc724-5W
Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what is his Department's policy on which information produced by his Department is published in alternative media to standard print such as Braille, tape or large print;

(2) what arrangements his Department makes to ensure that blind and partially sighted people have access to information produced by his Department where it has not been published in alternative media such as Braille, large print or tape.

Mr. Scott

Decisions to publish material in forms other than standard print are taken on a case by case basis. Currently the Department has the following number of publications available nationally in leaflets, tapes and Braille.

  • Four benefits audio tapes
  • Two benefits large-print leaflets—individual requests or information obtainable from the benefit inquiry line
  • Nineteen general social security leaflets
  • One child Support Agency leaflet in Braille
  • One child Support Agency tape
  • Two disability working allowance booklets
  • One disability working allowance audio tape
  • One disability working allowance brochure in large print
  • Two family credit leaflet tapes

Blind and partially sighted people and their representatives can ring the Department's range of telephone advice services. In particular, the benefits inquiry line gives free confidential advice and information for all social security benefits for people with disabilities. Callers then receive Braille or large print as required. The benefits inquiry line also completes forms over the telephone and sends Braille copies to the caller for signing.

Blind and partially sighted people can also ring or visit their local office for a personal interview. Home visits can be arranged if needed.

The Department's advertising campaigns are supported by tape or Braille publications.

The advertising campaign to publicise the new disability benefits in 1992 was the first such campaign to be signed for deaf people.

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