Over 70 per cent of disabled people currently find it difficult to access shops or use services on offer

Driven by the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act and Building Regulations, Induction Loop Systems enable people with hearing impairments to obtain maximum involvement in communications, in the environments where they are fitted.

• Induction Loop Systems consist of four main elements:
• Audio source (microphone)
• Amplifier The loop (wire installed around the area being served)
• The receiver (typically an individual's hearing aid set to the 'T' position)

LegislationThere are currently four main pieces of legislation that service providers and employers must consider in order to avoid discrimination against disabled people, including the hearing impaired.

• The Disability Discrimination Act (1995)
• The Care Standards Act (2002)
• Building Regulations (1992)
• British Standard B8300:2002

The most far-reaching legislation is the Disability Discrimination Act that affects all organisations offering goods, facilities and services to the general public. It states that they must make all reasonable adjustments to provide deaf or hard of hearing people with full access to their goods or services.

From October 2004 it has been a legal requirement to permanently install induction loops and infra-red systems, in the workplace, where it is impossible or difficult for a deaf or hard of hearing person to make use of a service. Employers must also take steps to ensure that existing and potential employees are not disadvantaged in the workplace, especially when taking part in meetings, etc.

Under the Care Standards Act, care homes must provide certain adaptations and equipment for residents, including communication aids, such as an Induction Loop Systems.

Current building regulations demand that newly erected or substantially reconstructed non-domestic buildings must provide aids for the hearing impaired.

Linking to building regulations is the new code of practice (BS8300: 2002) for the design of new buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people. The standard states where hearing enhancement should be installed.

Applications

Hearing enhancement systems must be installed in any facilities likely to be used by the hearing impaired, either as customers, visitors or staff. For example, meeting rooms in excess of 100m(2), lecture or entertainment theatres, spectator sports facilities, cultural and scientific buildings, and service or reception counters that are behind glazed screens.

Some examples of service providers covered under the Act are:

• Telecommunications and broadcasting organisations
• Public utility companies
• Leisure centres, stadia, health clubs
• Bus and railway stations, airports and travel agents
• Shops, hairdressers, post offices, banks and building societies
• Hotels, restaurants, cinemas, theatres and pubs
• Hospitals, waiting rooms and clinics Solicitors offices, courts, churches and mosques

The Solution ADT offers a wide range of cost-effective Induction Loop Systems to ensure that you remain fully compliant with the legislative requirements. From a simple counter application to a theatre or seminar room, ADT has a solution that offers high quality sound reinforcement which is easy to install and use.

All induction loop products supplied by ADT are fully compliant with AFILS standards EN60118-4 (formerly BS6083 and BS7594).

DisclaimerThis information is given as a general guide only.  It is not intended to contain definitive legal advice.  Professional legal advice should be sought as appropriate in relation to a particular matter.