We have launched a new easy read information hub on our website to ensure that Brighton & Hove residents with learning disabilities and their parents, carers and support staff can access key information about council services.
This includes resources such as:
Easy read is an accessible way of sharing information with people with learning disabilities. It uses easy words, short, jargon-free sentences, large text and pictures.
In 2020, it was estimated that there were around 5,000 people in Brighton & Hove with a learning disability. This is predicted to rise to 6,400 by 2035.
The easy read information hub was created following the publication of the Brighton & Hove Adult Learning Disability Strategy, also known as The Big Plan, in 2021. This was co-produced with the learning disability community and local partners such as:
Six working groups were formed to deliver actions outlined in the strategy that the learning disability community told us were important to them. One of the working groups is called ‘Information & Advice’, including members from the council and the above partners.
Earlier this year, the working group ran a survey to find out what information the learning disability community want the council to provide. These findings were used to create the easy read information hub.
Councillor Amanda Grimshaw, lead member for disability rights, said: “I’m delighted that we have launched our new easy read information hub, bringing together valuable council resources in an accessible format for our learning disability community.
“This is the result of collaboration with partner organisations in the city who support learning disabled people. Co-producing the hub and running several rounds of testing ensures this resource can best meet this diverse community’s needs.
“The easy read information hub is constantly being reviewed and updated with new information so the hub can continue to be used by those with learning disabilities for years to come.”
Steve Castellari, Engagement Lead and Working Carer and Employers Lead at The Carer’s Centre, said:
“It has been very productive being able to work as part of the team chaired by Brighton & Hove City Council, exploring ways to provide information and advice via the easy read information hub that is accessible for learning disabled people.
“We have been able to take feedback from carers we support and see it implemented as the hub has taken shape.
“The team members have brought a wealth of experience and expertise not only from within the council but also from the partner organisations working on this project and we look forward to continuing this vital work as the hub evolves and grows.”
Eva Eriksson, Chief Executive at Grace Eyre, said:
“I’m really pleased to see the launch of the council’s easy read hub and proud of the part my colleagues at Grace Eyre and other valued partners have played in developing it, as well as the feedback that many of the people we support have already provided.
“Clear, pictorial easy read information will greatly benefit more than 5,000 people with a learning disability in Brighton & Hove who may otherwise struggle to access this.
“It will also benefit many others in the city, such as those who speak English as a second language and those who require clearer communication.
“We look forward to seeing the ongoing development of the easy read hub, and to further productive, joined-up working with Brighton & Hove City Council and all the other partners involved.”
A member of Speak Out said: “The easy read hub will be useful, and easy read information about housing will be really important.”
