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.
View BSL information on the Protect Scotland App
View BSL information on Test and Protect
View BSL information on how to contact us
View a BSL update on Council facilities
View BSL information on financial help
View a BSL update on waste collection and Recycling Centres - 17 August
View a BSL update on Care at Home
View BSL information on making a complaint
View a BSL update from our Social Work department
Other useful resources
- Eye health during Coronavirus - What to do and what to expect
- COVID-19 FACTS Poster
- Watch the BSL video of the First Minister's letter to all households in Scotland
- Watch the BSL video of the Prime Minister's letter to all households in UK
- Visit the BSL section of NHS Inform
- View video updates on the British Deaf Association website
- Watch the BSL video on advice for health and social care staff
- Free Guide To Living With Worry And Anxiety Amidst Global Uncertainty - Translated versions available
- Women's Aid (UK) community resources - Translated versions available
- Download the FACTS BSL video for Phase 3 - 5 key asks (F-A-C-T-S)
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:
Explainer video in Arabic
Explainer video in Urdu
Explainer video in Polish
Explainer video in Chinese (Mandarin)
Explainer video in Punjabi
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
View Easy Read information on the new Coronavirus rules
View Easy Read information on keeping well while at home
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.