Employability resources
Information for employers
As an employer we know you might feel a little daunted if you have not received any previous deaf awareness training. You may even wonder if your workplace offers suitable jobs for deaf people or not. So, we’ve created a handy guide with lots of resources and advice on how to ensure you can make your workplace accessible to deaf people, both during the interview process and during employment.
What are barriers for deaf employees in the workplace?
What do employers need to do for deaf employees?
Under equality law, as an employer you must make reasonable adjustments (changes) for people who are deaf or hard of hearing and provide extra support, so that they aren’t put at a substantial disadvantage.
Can employers access grants to support deaf employees?
The UK Government’s Access to Work scheme can help pay towards the costs of any communication support or assistive equipment that your deaf and Hard of Hearing employees require.
What are barriers to deaf people finding a job?
- Lack of BSL Interpreters available at short notice for interviews
- Employability websites and information not available in BSL
- Application forms only available/ submitted in written English
- Employability support staff not deaf aware
What can you do to better support your deaf and hard of hearing colleagues?
There are a number of ways you can make sure deaf and hard of hearing people are included in your workplace. If you need more support or would like information on deaf awareness training, get in touch with our team. We’d be happy to help.
Access to work
The UK Government’s Access to Work scheme can help pay towards the costs of communication support or assistive equipment in the workplace.
By booking BSL/English interpreters, you can ensure that deaf people are always included. Check out Deaf Action’s Communication & Interpreting Agency, to find out what would be most useful.
There is also a lot of equipment that can help at work, including hearing loops, amplified telephones, flashing fire alarms, and listening equipment. If you would like advice on what specialist products would suit your workplace, contact our Specialist Equipment Service.
Our training team can organisation specialist deaf awareness courses for organisations who employ deaf or hard of hearing people.
