Louder than Words

Advice & information

Equality Act 2010 for employees with hearing loss – what are your rights?

November 12, 2020

If you are deaf or have hearing loss it’s important to know your rights at work. The Equality Act 2010 (or the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 in Northern Ireland) states that employers must not discriminate against disabled people, which includes deaf people and those with hearing loss. Disability discrimination in the workplace can happen if you’re treated less well than others as a result of your hearing loss. Discrimination doesn’t have to be intentional to be unlawful. It can be...

Hearing loops

Your hearing loop system checklist

November 9, 2020

It’s never been easier to install a hearing loop system and make your organisation accessible to people with hearing aids. With over 20 years’ experience, we’ll support you every step of the way to ensure your hearing loops meets industry standards, equality legislation and your specific requirements. If you want to encourage brand loyalty, attract new customers and stand out from your competitors, this handy checklist outlines what’s involved: Your step-by-step checklist 1) Contact Action on Hearing Loss Please get in touch and...

Advice & information

Communication support for job interviews. What’s available, who books it, how to book?

November 6, 2020

Research has shown that deaf people and those with hearing loss may be put off applying for jobs because of concerns that their communication needs will not be met during the interview process. The Equality Act 2010 (or the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 in Northern Ireland) requires employers to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that candidates who are disabled have equal access to employment opportunities. If you’re applying for work and have hearing loss, you should request communication support if you...

Advice & information

How to find a Disability Employment Adviser and other support

November 4, 2020

Our Louder than Words services are designed to support deaf people and those with hearing loss at work. We offer workplace assessments, deaf awareness and BSL training, communication support and hearing loop installation – and our Trustpilot reviews show that we’re getting it right. But what about support for unemployed people who are deaf or have hearing loss? We’re also a valuable source of information for those seeking work. Here’s some guidance on what’s available: Find a Disability Employment Adviser You can...

Advice & information

Support on how to find work if you’re deaf or have hearing loss

November 2, 2020

Deafness and hearing loss should not be a barrier to finding work. Many employers are recognising the value of making their business more inclusive. As well as complying with equality law, they want to broaden their talent pool. If you are deaf or have hearing loss, information and services are available to help you secure employment. Meet your Disability Employment Adviser If you need support in your job search, make an appointment with the Disability Employment Adviser (DEA) at your local...

Advice & information

Using hearing aids at work

October 28, 2020

Are you finding it increasingly difficult to hear what’s going on at work? One in 12 employees in the UK has some form of hearing loss. It can happen at any age – although people over 50s are more likely to be affected. If you've noticed a change in your hearing, we recommend booking a hearing test. The audiologist may suggest hearing aids to improve your quality of life. Benefits of hearing aids Hearing aids have numerous benefits in the workplace....

British Sign Language (BSL) training

Five reasons to offer sign language courses to your staff

October 27, 2020

For over 20 years we’ve been delivering high-quality sign language courses across the UK. If your business has employees, customers or clients who use British Sign Language (BSL), we can help you communicate with them more easily. Here are five reasons to offer our BSL training courses to your staff: 1. Improve access to your products and services for BSL users Sign language training will make your staff more confident when communicating with Deaf people and demonstrate your commitment to excellent customer...

Assistive hearing products

Hearing assistive devices for the workplace – what’s available and what’s best?

October 21, 2020

Many organisations have already made their workplaces safer and more accessible to people with hearing loss by installing deaf-friendly fire alarms and hearing loop systems. However, there are other assistive devices available to improve working conditions. If you’re an employee with hearing loss, here’s a round-up of some of the most popular work-related products: Conversation listeners A conversation listener improves clarity of speech, whether you use hearing aids or not. It amplifies sound and reduces background noise, making it ideal for...

Advice & information

Getting hearing support at work – what help is available?

October 15, 2020

If you’re one of the five million people in the UK working with hearing loss, it’s important you have the full support of your employer. They have a duty to make reasonable adjustments so you’re not unfairly disadvantaged. Our Louder than Words services will help you enjoy equal access to opportunities at work: Workplace assessments Ask your employer for a workplace assessment to help you work more easily at home or in the office. During the COVID-19 pandemic, remote workplace assessments...

Communication support

Do you need a British Sign Language translator or interpreter?

October 13, 2020

Are you looking for a British Sign Language translator – also known as a BSL sign language interpreter? We’re the UK’s largest specialist agency providing communication support for people who are deaf or have hearing loss, delivering over 18,000 assignments annually. Whether you need to make a one-off booking or arrange a long-term contract, we can provide someone with the specialist skills to meet your needs. Our ISO-approved interpreting services are used in a wide range of sectors. Are you an...

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