MP urges businesses to keep hard of hearing customers in the loop (Bradford Liberal Democrats)

Bradford Liberal Democrats <info@bradfordlibdems.org.uk>

MP urges businesses to keep hard of hearing customers in the loop

January 20, 2012 5:13 PM
Originally published by David Ward MP

Bradford East MP, David Ward, is urging businesses, shops and services in Bradford and across the country to ensure they have fully operational hearing loops to substantially improve their accessibility for customers with hearing loss.

The MP has lodged an Early Day Motion (EDM) in Parliament calling for better hearing loop provision following research by Action on Hearing Loss - formerly RNID - which found that eighty six per cent of surveyed businesses in the UK are at risk of being inaccessible because of problems with, or absence of, hearing loops. The main problems were that the loops were not switched on, in working order, or staff didn't know how to operate them.

Commenting, David Ward said:

"Under the Equality Act 2010, services must make 'reasonable adjustments' to be accessible to people with disabilities. This means that shops and service providers in Bradford and across the country must ensure that customers who are deaf or hard of hearing can enjoy the same level of service as other people. However, nationwide research by Action on Hearing Loss found that just one in six high street businesses has an acceptable standard of hearing loop provision, which is essential to help communication with hearing aid wearers.

"I'm calling on the Government to play an important role in encouraging service providers, where feasible and appropriate, to install hearing loops and train strain staff to use them so that services are more accessible for customers with hearing loss. People who are deaf or hard of hearing are entitled to the same level of service as other customers and businesses should start taking steps to make that happen."

Managing Director of External Engagement at Action on Hearing Loss, Sherine Krause, says:

"Communication for the country's two million hearing aid users can be very difficult when hearing loops aren't available, especially in noisy shops. We're delighted that David is supporting our Access to Everyday Services campaign by urging shops and services to make very simple changes which will greatly improve the experience of customers with hearing loss."