Do you work with Deaf or Hard of Hearing employees? Is your workplace a welcoming space for every member of your team? As the national charity for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people, Chime advocates for greater accessibility in the workplace to create better understanding, increase communication and break down barriers. We work directly with services and businesses to help make their environments more inclusive.
Our Deaf Awareness Training (DAT) service can be designed specifically for your business and tailored to your employees and their needs. Government grants are available to offset up to 90% of the cost of our DAT service, which covers positive methods of communication, assistive technologies and how they can help, getting access to Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpreters, and lots of other helpful topics. We are happy to say that in 2024 Deaf people will also be able to avail of communication support in ISL in the workplace for the first time.
We can also help to make sure that your premises are accessible to clients and employees who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. A qualified Chime expert can carry out an assessment of your building, identifying areas that can be improved, from using text or email options rather than phone calls, to installing loop systems where possible. We can also advise on suitable technology for your workplace (i.e. adapted smoke alarms, door bells, phones and amplifying devices). There are grants available to make your workplace more accessible for your Deaf and Hard of Hearing employees and Chime will be happy to discuss these with you.
To find out how you can better support your Deaf or Hard of Hearing employees and clients, contact Chime today and chat to us about our DAT services.