Support for those with hearing or sight issues
Deaf Awareness
As around 1 in 7 people have some form of deafness, the following tips have been provided by deafPLUS for how you can help.
- Ensure BSL (British Sign Language) interpreters are offered to people who sign
- Ensure a loop system is fitted to all rooms and if this is not possible, a portable loop is available and regularly tested
- If the person relies on lip reading, it is important to ask where the person would like to sit in a room as lighting and positioning can make a big difference
- Ensure that you are facing a deaf person when speaking to them and that you speak clearly – shouting or speaking slower than normal distorts the lip pattern and makes lip reading harder
- Ensure that you don’t put your hands to your face as this obscured the mouth for lip reading
- Cut out as much background noise as possible
- Ensure you offer a fax number, email and text number (where possible) on publicity and request that people who may require communication support contact you with their requirements.
Blind and Partially Sighted Persons
The Home Office Domestic Violence leaflet is available in Braille and also on audio tape and can be obtained by telephoning 0870 241 4680.
To make leaflets and printed information accessible for partially sighted people it is recommended that a minimum font size of 14 points is used and that you left align the print.
The Royal Institute for the Blind is able to help with the translation of information into Braille and can be contacted on telephone 01733 375370 .
