Commons advances accessibility with Action on Hearing Loss accreditation

This nationally-recognised accreditation scheme is awarded to organisations that are aiming to provide excellent levels of service and accessibility for visitors, customers and employees who are deaf or have hearing loss.

Engaging with democracy

Discussing the renewed accreditation, Jennifer Crook, Head of Diversity and Inclusion at the House of Commons said:

“It is essential that every citizen is able to visit and engage with the work of the House of Commons, which is why we are committed to promoting equality and improving accessibility for everybody, across each of the protected characteristics as defined in the Equality Act 2010.

"We are proud to receive the Action on Hearing Loss re-accreditation, and recognise the need to continue to strive to ensure our buildings and services are accessible to all.”

An accessible space

ParliAble, a Workplace Equality Network (WEN) in support of disabled Members and Peers worked alongside staff of both Houses and others on the Parliamentary Estate to get accreditation for the House.

Earlier this year, the Commons was pleased to be able to show a live simultaneous BSL interpretation of a debate in Westminster Hall for the first time, building on previous experience of using BSL interpreters in select committee evidence sessions, as well as in a Westminster Hall debate in November 2017 on Deafness and Hearing Loss.

Further information

You can find out more about Action on Hearing Loss and the inspirational work they do here.

To find out more about ParliAble and the support they provide, you can click here.

For more information on Parliament's other Workplace Equality Networks (WENs) and how they make a difference you can visit their web page here.