This course helps adult social care staff understand the Accessible Information Standard (AIS), why it matters, and how to apply it in everyday practice. Learners will explore who the Standard supports, what the six steps mean in real care settings, and how to evidence good practice through clear recording, reasonable adjustments, and regular review.
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Explain what the Accessible Information Standard is, who it applies to, and why it exists.
- Describe the six steps of the AIS: Identify, Record, Flag, Share, Meet, and Review (2025 update).
- Recognise who the AIS supports, including carers and family members with their own communication needs.
- Apply practical reasonable adjustments to make communication safer and more inclusive.
- Record and share communication needs appropriately, so support is consistent across staff and services.
- Understand how AIS links to legal duties and how it may be evidenced during inspections and self-assessment.
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Overview
This online training course has been designed specifically for Care and Support Workers working in a social care setting. It may also be useful to a wider audience of people who would like to know more about Accessible Information Standard (AIS) .
- Introduction to the AIS and why accessible communication is a legal requirement
- Why the AIS matters: consent, safety, dignity, inclusion, and avoiding preventable harm
- Who the AIS supports and what counts as an AIS need (and what does not)
- The six-step AIS cycle in practice, including the 2025 addition of Review
- Meeting needs day to day: large print, Easy Read, audio formats, BSL interpreters, communication passports, picture prompts, and adapted reminders
- Reviewing needs and improving practice over time, including triggers for review and service improvement approaches
- Roles and responsibilities across frontline staff, admin teams, supervisors, and managers
- Real-life scenarios and common challenges, with interactive decision points and short animations
- Compliance, inspection expectations, and how to evidence good practice using documentation and self-assessment
Approx. 45 to 60 minutes, including video scenarios, interactive tasks, and knowledge checks.
This course supports:
- Inclusive, person-centred communication and dignity in care
- Meeting legal duties linked to accessible communication and reasonable adjustments
- Safer care through clear recording, consistent handovers, and timely escalation of communication barriers
- Improved quality and governance through review, self-assessment, and evidence of good practice
- Applicability across care homes, home care, supported living, and wider adult social care services, suitable for induction or refresher training
Hugh Asher, BSc (Hons), MSc (Merit), PhD (Applied Social Science)
As a course consultant, Hugh brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his role. His extensive background in working with individuals with diverse needs, combined with his passion for utilising nature as a therapeutic tool, allows him to provide valuable insights and guidance to learners.
Participants in the courses “Caring for People with Autism”, “Supporting People with Learning Disabilities”, “Mental Health Awareness” and “Mental Health, Dementia and Learning Disabilities” can expect to gain valuable skills and understanding in providing effective care and support.
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