General Regulations on Disabled Access
Since October 2004 business need to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to
premises in order to make services accessible to disabled people. Problems
and solutions vary from business to business.
Find out more at
http://direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/RightsAndObligations/DisabilityRights/DG_4001068
DO’S & DON’TS WHEN BUYING SOLUTIONS
A hearing system should NOT just be bought off the shelf. In order to have a
system that is effective and adequate it is essential that the dimensions of the
room or building and the amount of people needing to hear or be heard are de-
termined, and a specification built up. If a company is willing to supply a system
without a site survey, they are not the company to buy from.
Often, a quote may be far cheaper than that of a competitor, which will obvi-
ously be more attractive to the customer. However, this could be due to the ca-
pabilities of the systems being very different. Always make sure that the com-
panies are costing for the same job specification.
Knowledge of hearing impairment is very important, and understanding what a deaf person experi-
ences when they enter the public domain can be integral in finding a hearing system that really per-
forms for the people who need it.
All members of staff should be aware that hearing equipment is an important investment for the com-
pany. Ensure that staff will know where the equipment is and how to use it. Additionally, boast about
your investment! Use signage to inform people that you are DDA compliant.
Since the DDA came in, a huge amount of companies have entered the market selling cheap, low
quality systems that allow businesses simply to tick the compliancy box. I have lost count of how many
of these systems my company has had to replace over the past few years, ultimately costing the client
double the amount they would have spent if they had bought a good quality system in the first place.
My motto is “if you buy cheap, you buy twice”.
Businesses are strongly advised against doing nothing for deaf accessibility, as the risks are substan-
tial - the duties under DDA are ‘anticipatory’, so the argument that a company feels they have no dis-
abled customers has no legal standing. But apart from possibly having to defend a costly legal action,
there is a pressing economic argument - the spending power of disabled people amounts to an esti-
mated £50 billion per year. Ignoring the requirements of the DDA means losing business – especially if
your competitors have already made improvements.
Being compliant with the DDA regulations is not just about ticking boxes, it’s about making sure that
disabled people have the same opportunities and access as everyone else. In the hearing field this
means ensuring that a system is not only present but also that it is one that works effectively for the
hearing aid user. Disability access will help you achieve high levels of service and assist in making
your business attractive to all customers.
Source: Gordon Morris
www.gordonmorris.co.uk
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