Context
The MP questioned the adequacy of government communications for disabled individuals throughout the pandemic, highlighting concerns about specific guidance and support availability.
Question
If she will make an assessment of the adequacy of Government communications during the covid-19 pandemic for people with disabilities. Many people with disabilities would disagree with the Minister's assessment of the communications and feel that, throughout the pandemic, the Government often failed to provide specific communications to disabled people about their rights and access to support.
Answer from Alex Burghart
Throughout the pandemic, the Government took their responsibilities to people with disabilities extremely seriously. We all remember the daily press conferences, which almost always had signers present, but that was just one element of a much broader communications strategy that ensured guidance and information were provided in easy-read, large text, audio and many other formats. I thank the hon. Lady for her question. On covid, I understand that this is something the inquiry will be considering. On her broader point, she will know that the NHS and publicly funded social care in this country have a duty, under section 250 of the Health and Social Care Act 2012, to ensure that patients and people in care receive information in formats appropriate for them. I know the NHS takes that responsibility extremely seriously.
Not addressed: The specific steps being taken to ensure public health announcements are accessible to disabled individuals were not detailed.
How: Under Review, Taking Responsibilities Seriously
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