A new guide to help local authorities and other organisations consult and communicate effectively with disabled people has just been published by the Local Authorities Research and Intelligence Association (LARIA).

'Getting it Right - including disabled people in communication and consultation' has been written by Philip Cortese and Louisa Nardini from Kirklees Metropolitan Council.

Philip Cortese and Louisa Nardini

The guide aims to help public, private and voluntary organisations understand the importance of including disabled people in consultation exercises and how to go about this in the most effective way.

One of the joint authors of the guide, Philip Cortese, said "public services and voluntary organisations increasingly recognise that disabled people are often excluded from consultation and communication exercises. Businesses are also becoming aware that disabled people offer a large untapped market for goods and services. The guide aims to help all types of organisation understand and practice effective communication and consultation with disabled people, while making sure they comply with the law."

The guide covers communication with disabled people and issues around consultation, such as how to find disabled people to include in consultation projects, appropriate formats for information, and choosing venues with suitable access. It also provides an overview of important legislation such as the Disability Discrimination Act.

Copies of the guide are available for £30 each (£25 to LARIA Corporate members) from: Graham Smith, LARIA Administrator, 9 Cortland Road, Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough TS7 OJX or telephone 01642 316576. For full publication details - click here

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