The National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) has developed a suite of CervicalCheck information materials for women in Braille and audio format. The two most commonly requested leaflets ‘About your free smear test’ and ‘About your smear test results’ have been translated into Braille and audio format.
The leaflets provide general information on the CervicalCheck programme and the benefits of screening, as well as the process of having a smear test and what potential smear test results mean. In addition, the ‘Information Sheet’ that is offered to women at their smear test appointment which details how their results are used and why their consent is needed to take part in the programme is now also available in Braille.
It is intended that these materials will assist women who are visually impaired to more easily avail of the CervicalCheck programme by accessing the information needed for them to make an informed choice and decision about whether to participate in screening.
Braille is a tactile writing language of raised dots, mainly used by the blind and visually impaired. It is developed for a combination of the sense of touch, movement and finger pressure.
In addition, the materials have been transcribed into an audio format and are available online at www.cervicalcheck.ie. Limited versions are available on CD.
The NCSS takes its responsibility to be accessible to all women very seriously. In March 2010 a consultation process was undertaken with women’s representative and community network groups. The aim of the consultation was to develop initiatives to ensure the programmes of the NCSS are as accessible as possible to all women.
It is intended that the new Braille materials, availability of information in audio and the Freephone information line (1800 45 45 55) will go towards achieving this goal. This project has been introduced on a trial basis and may be extended to include additional information materials in time.
-Ends-