This section of the Standards is designed to provide a context in which individual information and advice providers can develop their services. The section on legislation outlines the context and framework for the provision of information and advice to disabled people. Parts of this legislation are likely to apply to the funders or commissioners of services as well as to the providers.
This section is also intended for those whose role it is to plan and fund information and advice services. It is designed to provide such bodies with a range of tools to assist with compliance.
Within this section it is recognised that strategic planning on a locality basis should underpin the development of individual services in order to ensure equitable access. It aims to place disabled people at the centre of the planning process for information and advice services.
The model we have used for the development of these Standards is a dynamic one which should allow for constant improvement. It suggests a process that will see both service planners and providers of services involving disabled people in the planning and delivery of information and advice.
In developing this section we are aware of the financial pressures upon statutory agencies. Depending upon local circumstances, there may be some cost implications to other Standards. This will need to be balanced against both other priorities and the potential cost of non-compliance with the new legislative framework.
In our experience of developing local strategies for accessible information and advice, funding is more likely to be made available from other areas to support this work if the objectives underpinning the provision of information and advice are clear and the framework is robust. In addition, we consider that involving existing service users and other disabled people who are potential service users is likely to ensure that resources are allocated most effectively.
Go to the next page: Local Strategies
(c) Scottish Accessible Information Forum, 2007
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