Hearing impairment

Deaf and Hearing Impaired People

Services for Deaf and Hearing Impaired People

Introduction
In providing services and in the employment of staff, Bedford Borough Council aims to give equal opportunities, treatment and access to everyone. This includes people who are deaf or hearing impaired.

The Council has taken certain specific actions to meet this aim and to fulfil its responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act.

Public Meetings
The Town Hall Council Chamber and the Harpur Suite have an induction loop facility. British Sign Language interpretation may be arranged if sufficient notice is given to the Members Services Unit (Tel: 01234 227211 text: 01234 221827).

Textphone
It is possible to contact the Town Hall on a textphone (01234 221827) located at the Main Reception. Staff are then able to relay messages to various departments or arrange for a member of staff to call back using Typetalk.

E-Mail
The e-mail address for enquires about any Council service is enquiries@bedford.gov.uk.

Job Applications
Applicants short-listed for interview are invited to contact the Council’s Personnel Unit (Tel: 01234 227228 text: 01234 221827) beforehand to arrange for any support which needs to be put in place (e.g. induction loop facilities, British Sign Language interpretation).

British Sign Language Support
British Sign Language (BSL) support can be arranged for interviews and meetings in connection with the provision of most Council services if sufficient notice is given to the Unit concerned.

Induction Loop Systems
Induction loop systems are installed in the following Council buildings:

The Corn Exchange
The Harpur Suite
The Council Chamber
The Civic Theatre
The Crematorium
Scott Hall
Brickhill Community Centre
Bunyan Centre (small hall)
Cauldwell Community Centre
Queens Park Community Centre
Church Lane Community Centre
Town Hall, Cash Hall
Town Hall, Housing Advice
Tourist Information Centre

A portable system is available for use in the various meeting rooms of the Town Hall reception.

Communicating Clearly
The Communicating Clearly is for more details of the Borough Council’s actions to meet the needs of deaf and hearing impaired people.

Communicating Clearly ( 153 Kb ) - DOWNLOAD

Access Officer
The Council’s Access Officer seeks to ensure that buildings, services and facilities are accessible to everyone. His contact details are:
Tel:      01234 221762
Text:    01234 221827
E-mail: sodell@bedford.gov.uk

Bedfordshire County Council’s Services for Deaf People
The Social Services Department of Bedfordshire County Council has a specialist unit which provides services for deaf people, those who are hard of hearing and deaf/blind people. For more details, please visit the County Council's website at:  www.bedfordshire.gov.uk

SERVICES A-Z

Access Officer
Disabled Toilets
Disabled Facilities

Way To Be Awards
Public Toilets
Accessible Environments
Textphones
Induction Loop Systems
Hearing Impaired People
Positive about disabled people
Physical Disability Support
Disabled Parking
Transport for Disabled People
Shopmobility
Access for Disabled People
Disability Equality Scheme
Equipment for Disabled People
Severe Disability