Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to help ensure that written forms are accessible to all users, including those with learning disabilities.

The Department is committed to ensuring that its services are accessible and inclusive for all customers, including disabled people and those with learning disabilities.

The Department designs and reviews its forms and digital services to support a wide range of user needs. Forms are developed using user-centred design principles and are regularly tested with customers to ensure they remain clear, accessible and effective. We work to ensure that forms and supporting guidance use plain language wherever possible and continue to meet user needs.

The Department provides information in a range of alternative formats, including Braille, large print, coloured paper and screen-reader compatible formats such as Word and accessible PDF documents. Our online documents comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 standards and are designed to be accessible for customers who use assistive technology.

Where customers require additional support to access our services or complete forms, the Department can provide reasonable adjustments and tailored support, including assistance through Jobcentres, telephony services and, where appropriate, home visits.

Should a home visit be required, the Department's Visiting Service provides tailored, face-to-face support for customers who may have difficulty accessing services independently, including customers with learning disabilities. Visiting Officers can help customers understand DWP processes, complete forms, provide supporting evidence and access the benefits and services to which they may be entitled.