The aim of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) is to stop discrimination against people, regardless of disability which includes people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The Act was extended in September 2002 to cover education in schools and colleges and was strengthened further in October 2004 as the Disability Rights Commission’s (DRC) new Code of Practice came into effect.
Under the Act, all UK service providers, i.e., companies or organisations offering goods, facilities or services to the general public must make ‘reasonable’ adjustments to ensure they do not unlawfully discriminate against people with disabilities. Employers must also take measures to ensure that existing and potential employees are not disadvantaged in the workplace.
Examples of ‘reasonable adjustments’ include the provision of auxiliary aids, such as induction loop systems, FM systems etc to enable people who are deaf or hard of hearing to access goods, facilities or services where it is impossible or unreasonably difficult for them to do so. From 1st October 2004, permanent adjustments must be made and organisations that fail to make adequate provision could face prosecution.

For more information on the Disability Discrimination Act, visit the DRC’s website at www.drc-gb.org or visit www.hmso.gov.uk