Accessible information

We aim to provide information in a range of formats so that it's accessible for as many people as possible.

Recite Me - website customisation

You can access a range of accessibility features to customise this website via the 'Speak / Translate' link in the site menu at the top of each page. The Recite Me toolbar provides a Screen Reader, reading support tools, changes to website styling and real time translation.

  • Click 'Speak / Translate' at the top of the page to get started

Foreign language translation

We've also had some key information translated into 10 different languages on posters which can be downloaded and printed:

Information for the Deaf community

We are working to provide some key Council updates in relation to our local response to COVID-19 as signed BSL videos.


Other useful resources


Contact Scotland BSL provides telephone access for deaf BSL users throughout Scotland through an online BSL interpreting video relay service (VRS). This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You must be registered with Contact Scotland BSL and download the app

Test and Protect

The Protect Scotland App explainer video is also available in additional languages on YouTube:

A British Sign Language (BSL) version of the Protect Scotland app explainer video is also available on YouTube:

Sight Loss and Social Distancing

Guide Dogs have been running a #BeThere campaign to encourage members of the public to offer assistance/support to people with sight loss whilst they try and maintain a 2-metre social distance.

A summary of the key campaign issues are provided below and you can also access the information via our website at https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/news/Social-distancing-and-sight-loss

3 Top Tips

  1. Keep your distance, but don't disappear - People with sight loss may find it challenging to social distance, so if you see someone with a Guide Dog or a long cane then you can help them by making sure you keep 2m away, but that doesn't mean you can't also offer your help.  
     
  2. Say hello and offer your help - Simply by letting someone with sight loss know you are nearby; you are giving them the opportunity to ask for any help if they need it. People often feel unsure about their ability to help someone with sight loss, but their request could be a simple as finding out where a shopping queue starts, or if there is a safer place to cross a road. 
     
  3. Describe the scene - We've all had to adapt to unusual sights during lockdown - people standing apart in long lines outside of supermarkets for example. But those with sight loss haven't always witnessed this to the same extent, which can be isolating and confusing. By describing what you can see to someone with sight loss, you can help them to understand the environment and navigate accordingly. 

Coming out of lockdown and moving to a 'new normal' is a challenge for everyone; this is especially true for more vulnerable members of the community.  It is hoped that our 'be there' campaign will make the transition that much easier for people with sight loss. 
 

Easy Read information

Easy Read Online have produced a number of documents to make information more accessible. Easy Read was developed for people with learning disabilities to help them understand important information but lots of other people use Easy Read information too:

  • Older people 
  • Young people and children 
  • People who don't speak English as a first language 
  • People who don't have enough time to read long, complex versions of information


Information is written in short sentences that avoid difficult words or jargon. Sentences are supported by images that help to explain the meaning, they use a clear font in a large size and have clear headings, sub headings and bullet points.

Route Map Phase 3

Phase 3 of the Route Map: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-framework-decision-making-scotlands-route-map-through-out-crisis-phase-3-update/

Nicola Sturgeon's speech with BSL translation: https://twitter.com/scotgov/status/1281271693969969159

Vitamin D

Recommendations on Vitamin D

Vitamin D is required for maintaining good bone health. Our main source comes  from sunlight.

Current advice is that everyone should consider taking a daily 10 microgram supplement of vitamin D.

Some people are at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency and it is recommended that these people take a daily supplement. This includes:

  • All pregnant and breastfeeding women
  • Infants and children under 5 years old
  • People who have low or no exposure to the sun, for example those who cover their skin for cultural reasons, are housebound, confined indoors for long periods or live in an institution such as a care home
  • People from minority ethnic groups with dark skin such as those of African, African-Caribbean and South Asian origin as they require more sun exposure to make as much vitamin D
  • Vitamin D supplements can be purchased from most supermarkets, pharmacies or online.

A general information leaflet 'Vitamin D and You' is available online at: http://www.healthscotland.com/documents/5274.aspx . This leaflet is available in different languages.

For more information visit the Scottish Government website: https://www.gov.scot/publications/vitamin-d-advice-for-all-age-groups/

If you would like any further information, get in touch with your GP, pharmacist, midwife or health visitor.