Service Provider Obligations

A person who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing is recognised under legislation as a person with a disability, and reasonable accommodation must be made to ensure their access to services and buildings on an equal basis.

Relevant Legislation:

• The Equal Status Act
• The Disability Act
• The Education of People with Special Educational Needs Act (EPSEN)
• Part M of the Building Regulations

What the Law Says:

In broad terms, there is a legal obligation on all service-providers, public bodies and employers to ensure that the services they provide, their buildings and their employment practices are equal and fair to all citizens. It is deemed to be discrimination if this does not occur.

What does this mean?

Buildings:

All buildings must be accessible to Deaf and Hard of Hearing people. This means public buildings, cinemas, banks, churches, schools, theatres, hospitals etc. The law suggests loop systems, but many other access features, such as being contactable by text messages, are also implied.

Services:

The definition of services is very broad, including public services, transport, health, education leisure, broadcasting and local authorities. The provision to be made for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people includes (but is not limited to):

Loop Systems -

To enable hearing aid users to conduct business or understand performances, lectures or announcements.

Irish Sign Language (ISL) Interpreters -

There are many situations where a public service-provider must, if requested, provide an ISL interpreter. These range from hospital appointments, social welfare interviews and Garda interviews; to work meetings, job interviews etc. Some theatres provide signed performances (Abbey and Gate Theatres) and the National Gallery provides ISL tours of exhibitions.

Visual Information -

Where public address systems are used to convey information, this information should also be presented visually, perhaps on an LCD display, such as on buses, the Luas and transport generally. On television, this means subtitles. Many cinemas provide loop systems and subtitled performances.