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Strata Communications specialise in the supply of induction loop systems, these range from the fixed InfoLoop that is permanently fixed under a reception desk, to larger areas such as meeting rooms, television lounges, theatres, conference rooms etc. Our new Clip Board and Portable Induction Loop units provide ideal solutions when dealing with hard of hearing customers at temporary locations throughout your building. The InfoLoop Induction Loop are interfaces between you, the service provider and your customers wearing hearing aids.
What is Induction Loop?
An Induction Loop system is used to assist the hearing impaired, it converts speech into an invisible field that is easily picked up by the user's hearing aid when switched to the 'T' or Telecoil position. Background noise is reduced and speech is clear and distinct. Most of the UK's clearing banks and many retail outlets now use the Infoloop system. When communicating with customers, it is essential that conversation is clear, distinct and understood - without the need to raise your voice.
InfoLoop is particularly appropriate for one-to-one conversations or small meetings. Typical installations include ticket offices, service and reception counters, customer service desks, interview booths and meeting rooms. The system is the perfect answer for those locations with adverse ambient noise conditions which make it so difficult for hearing aid wearers to hear clearly.
Recent legislation states that companies and organisations must ensure proper access to their goods and services for disabled people, of which the hard of hearing are the largest group. InfoLoop enables organisations to comply with the legislation by providing the system for the use of their hard of hearing customers and visitors.
A guide to INDUCTION LOOP LEGISLATION BS8300 (2002)
British Standard BS8300 is the new code of practice for the design of new buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people. The standard states that "a hearing enhancement system, using induction loop, infra-red or radio transmission, should be installed in rooms and spaces used for meetings, lectures, classes, performances, spectator sports or films and used at service and reception counters where the background noise level is high or where glazed screens are used" (9.3.2). It pinpoints the following areas for consideration: seated waiting areas; ticket sales and information points; fitness suites and exercise studios; educational, cultural and scientific buildings and churches.
THE DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION ACT 1995 (DDA) aims to stop discrimination against disabled people, including deaf and hard of hearing people when accessing goods and services. Service providers include theatres, conference hall, supermarkets, banks and retail outlets, amongst others Service providers must provide auxiliary aids and services where this would enable, or make it easier for a deaf or hard of hearing person to access a service.
The DDA act was extended in September 2002 to cover education in schools and colleges and will be strengthened further in 2004 as the Disability Rights Commission's (DRC) new Code of Practice comes into effect.
From 2004, service providers will be required to install permanent induction loop and infra-red systems where it is impossible or unreasonably difficult for a deaf or hard of hearing person to make use of a service.
Service providers who fail to make adequate provision for people with hearing disabilities face prosecution. Furthermore, it is not enough to simply install an induction loop system - it must be properly maintained and staff must know how to use it. (DDA, Auxiliary aids and services 5.13)
Service providers i.e., companies or organisations offering goods, facilities and services to the general public, must make 'reasonable' adjustments to ensure that they do not unlawfully discriminate against disabled people. Employers must also take measures to ensure that existing and potential employees are not disadvantaged in the workplace.
Some examples of service providers covered under the Act are;
- Telecommunications and broadcasting organisations
- Public utility companies such as gas, electricity and water suppliers
- Leisure centre, football stadiums, national parks and 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, clinics
- Solicitors' offices, courts, churches and mosques
The DRC advises service providers to take steps now to prepare for their extended obligations.
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