Gardiner Richardson and disability charity champion accessible communications

Gardiner Richardson, a Newcastle-based strategic brand communications agency has collaborated with disability charity, the Percy Hedley Foundation, to produce and launch a guide to support the communications industry in making content more accessible for all.

One in four people in the UK report having a disability which demonstrates the need for more accessible communications. The guide provides a check list to help those working in the industry improve their content and covers content in different forms including written, visual and digital.

Director at Gardiner Richardson, Jen Hallam says: “Making content more accessible just makes sense – why put all that energy into creating great content if it’s not accessible to everyone. If our brands and communications aren’t accessible, people are excluded from the conversation. This is not only bad for business, but it makes our communities and conversations less rich and less diverse.

“The creation of the guide has allowed us to learn from each other; the students have gained an insight into the industry, and we’ve learnt so much about accessible communications from their lived experience.”

The collaboration saw adult learners from Percy Hedley spend time in Gardiner Richardson’s office to create accessible content for some of its clients including the historic, Grainger Market.

Kerry Robinson, Project Manager at Percy Hedley says: “Collaborating with employers like Gardiner Richardson has a powerful impact on our students and adult learners as they build their employability skills. This ongoing partnership has given them the chance to contribute meaningfully, boosting their confidence and sense of empowerment.

“The Accessible Communications Guide is a great example of the real difference our members at the Percy Hedley Foundation can make when supported by forward-thinking, inclusive employers.”

The guide can be downloaded from: Accessibility – Percy Hedley Foundation