About the Accessible Information Standard programme
The Accessible Information Standard directs and defines a specific, consistent approach to identifying, recording, flagging, sharing, meeting and reviewing the information and communication needs of disabled people or those with a sensory loss. The Standard applies across the NHS and adult social care, successful implementation of the Standard will lead to improved outcomes and experiences, and the provision of safer and more personalised care and services to individuals who, to date, have experienced some of the poorest health outcomes and inequalities. For further information please visit NHS England » Accessible information standard.
This elearning was updated along with the Accessible Information Standard which was originally published in 2016 and updated in 2025 .
More information
The Accessible Information Standard aims to establish a framework so that people, families and carers who have information or communication needs relating to a disability or sensory loss receive:
Top of Form
- ‘Accessible information’ (‘information which is able to be read or received and understood by the individual or group for which it is intended’); and
- ‘Communication support’ (‘support which is needed to enable effective, accurate dialogue between a professional and a service user to take place’).
Including so that individuals can access services appropriately and independently, and make decisions about their health, well-being, care and treatment.
The Standard is expected to benefit everyone with information and/or communication needs relating to a disability or sensory loss, including people who have a learning disability, who are d/Deaf, blind or deafblind, who have some hearing or visual loss, aphasia, autism or a mental health condition which affects their ability to communicate.
Accessing the elearning
Following changes to the platform you will now require a free account to access the AIS eLearning. Please register for an account via the link at the top of the page.
Please note that anyone can register for an account, you can use a personal email address, if your job role is not listed, please choose ‘Other’. If your employment location is not listed, then please choose ‘Unknown Location’.
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Introduction
This session - The Accessible Information Standard: Introduction - aims to equip health and care professionals with the knowledge and skills to effectively apply and follow the Accessible Information Standard. In summary, the Standard requires providers of NHS and adult social care to identify, record, flag, share and meet the information and communication support needs of people with a disability or sensory loss.
How to access
In order to access the Accessible Information Standard programme, you will need an elfh account. If you do not have one, then you can register by selecting the Register button below.
To view the Accessible Information Standard programme, select the View button below. If you already have an account with elfh, you will also be able to login and enrol on the programme from the View button.
NHS healthcare staff in England
The Accessible Information Standard programme is also available to NHS healthcare staff via the Electronic Staff Record (ESR). Accessing this elearning via ESR means that your completions will transfer with you throughout your NHS career.
Further details are available here.
Organisations wishing to use their own LMS
For HR departments wanting to know more about gaining access to courses using an existing Learning Management System please contact elfh directly to express interest.