answer text |
<p>The Government is committed to ensuring that all disabled people have the opportunity
to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations. We offer a number of programmes
and initiatives that successfully support disabled people into work, including deaf
people or those with hearing loss who use British Sign Language.</p><p>Employment
programmes such as Work Choice, Specialist Employability Support and Access to Work
help disabled people, including BSL users, find, start and remain in work. Access
to Work has a dedicated Deaf and Hearing Loss Team, which ensures that people with
deafness or hearing loss receive specialist advice and support. Deaf people and those
with hearing loss represent the largest group of people helped by Access to Work.</p><p>Last
month, DWP took an important step in making Government services accessible to deaf
people or those with hearing loss with the launch of the Video Relay Service (VRS),
a six-month pilot which will ensure that BSL users can communicate with DWP staff
quickly and easily. This service is available for Disability Living Allowance, Attendance
Allowance and the Access to Work enquiry lines. VRS can be accessed on a laptop or
PC, or through an app on iOS or Android devices.</p><p>On 4 January, DWP launched
a call for evidence for its Market Review of Communications for people who are deaf
or have hearing loss. More information can be found here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/communications-for-people-who-are-deaf-or-have-hearing-loss-market-review"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/communications-for-people-who-are-deaf-or-have-hearing-loss-market-review</a></p><p>The
Disability Confident campaign, launched in 2013, works to improve employer awareness
and confidence in unlocking disabled people’s talents, including deaf people and those
with hearing loss. We are encouraging employers to register their commitment to become
more Disability Confident and receive an information pack and regular updates. More
information can be found here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/disability-confident" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/disability-confident</a></p><p>The
Equality Act 2010 provides statutory protection against discrimination and sets out
that employers must make reasonable adjustments for their disabled workers.</p><p>
</p>
|
|