Louder than Words

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...

News

Old name, new purpose: Action on Hearing Loss becomes RNID again

October 12, 2020

Hey, it’s the team at RNID here. We’ve recently gone back to our old, much-loved name after a decade as Action on Hearing Loss. We wanted to tell you why. https://youtu.be/q5xYVH45dDQ The return to the household name, which dates back to 1911, is part of our ambitious plans to reach more of the 1 in 5 people in the UK who are deaf or have hearing loss and the 1 in 8 who have tinnitus. The focus on the daily issues deaf...

Hearing loops

The benefits of a portable hearing loop

October 9, 2020

A portable hearing loop can be a lifeline for people who are deaf or have hearing loss. Many public places have hearing loop systems permanently installed but there are situations where hearing support is needed but not available. That’s where a portable hearing loop comes in. What is a portable hearing loop? It amplifies sound for people who use hearing aids so they can hear conversations more easily. A built-in microphone picks up the sound of the person speaking and transmits...

COVID-19 related

How to support staff with hearing loss during the COVID-19 pandemic

October 7, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has created additional barriers for people who are deaf or have hearing loss. Many rely on facial expressions and lipreading to communicate, which is impossible with the widespread use of face masks. Protective screens designed to stop the spread of coronavirus often block sound and muffle speech. While extended working from home can be stressful and exhausting without the right support in place. We’ve put together some simple ways for employers to help staff with hearing loss...

Communication support

How to book a lipspeaker UK registered and qualified

October 5, 2020

RNID (formerly Action Hearing Loss) can supply a lipspeaker UK registered and qualified for all types of situation. If you’ve been asked to provide communication support for someone who lipreads but don’t know where to start, we can guide you through the process. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements. Why you can book with confidence 1) Get the right communication support No one understands hearing loss better than us. We know which questions to ask to ensure you book the...

Hearing loops

Why induction loop maintenance is vital for your business

October 2, 2020

As the UK’s leading charity for people with hearing loss, we have over 25 years’ experience of induction loop maintenance. Thousands of organisations trust our high-quality installation and aftercare services. We’re here to ensure your business stays fully accessible to hearing aid users. How to keep your loop system fit for purpose Installing a hearing support system is a great step towards make your business more welcoming to customers and staff with hearing loss. However, it’s essential that your loop system...

Case studies

Workplace assessment for Ed Rex

September 30, 2020

Marketing professional, Ed Rex, is profoundly deaf and was feeling stressed and isolated at work. He explains how a workplace assessment made a positive difference. It identified simple changes to break down barriers, and boost his wellbeing and performance. Struggling without support “Pardon? Can you send me an email to confirm please?” I put down the phone, inwardly cringing at the awkwardness of it all. Looking around the office, I could see my colleagues happily chatting on their phones, speaking to...

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