19 Sep RNID partnership creating hearing accessibility for more than two decades
Contacta Systems are working in partnership with RNID, the national charity supporting the 18 million people in the UK who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus. We are proud to work together to make venues across the UK more inclusive.
How our relationship began
Demand for hearing loops grew following the introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) in 1995. Leading the way were high street banks which we’d worked with for many years, installing intercom systems.
Our partnership with RNID began with them testing the performance of the loop systems we’d installed, providing assurance that the loops provided clarity of sound for customers.
This partnership work expanded to take in major supermarkets, as awareness of the DDA grew. The DDA, and other disability legislation, has now been replaced by the Equality Act.
How we work together
Since then, we’ve been involved in a number of RNID campaigns to help organisations make their services more accessible. We’ve provided technical information about assistive listening technology that you can now find on the RNID website.
In 2021 we began our partnership with RNID where we donate 5% of the value of all completed orders which are referred to us via RNID@Contacta.co.uk.
Our impact
Together, we’ve made hundreds of venues across the country more accessible to people with hearing loss, from village halls to London’s National Portrait Gallery.
“Visitors now benefit from hearing loops in our three halls.
“The engineers explained the process to us and listened very carefully to our requirements and concerns. They worked efficiently and were a pleasure to work with.
“The loop systems greatly enhance the accessibility of our site.”
Graham Allen, Shurdington Community Centre
The partnership has increased our visibility but, more importantly, it has made plays, community cinemas, exhibitions, church services, school performances and many more events inclusive to people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus.
We look forward to making many more venues welcoming to the growing number of people living with hearing loss.
MADE IN THE UK: We’re proud to say our Contacta designed products are manufactured in the UK