Let's start with some disability facts and figures.
There are 14.6 million disabled people in the UK, 21% are adults of working age*.
The employment rate of disabled people is 53%. Compared to 82% of non-disabled people.
That means that disabled people are almost twice as likely to be unemployed as non-disabled people, and 3 times as likely to be economically inactive.
Did you know that more than 82% of qualified disabled people are unemployed and are actively looking for a job? (according to statistics available for 2015). Take a look to this list of deaf candidates looking for job.
What is an even more shocking statistic is that 56% of deaf people have experienced discrimination in the workplace due to being deaf or hard of hearing:
62% from colleagues
53% from management
37% during a job interview
We hope you all agree this is absolutely unacceptable. Specially after knowing that Deaf employees are actually average or above average in performance, quality and quantity of work, flexibility and attendance.
Deaf workers, where they are given the opportunity, are committed and engaged; the only thing they need is the right support, tools and encouragement to perform to their full potential and be productive in what they do.
If you are thinking about a more diverse workplace and a more accessible environment, just keep reading. You will learn how to break down barriers.
There are different ways that employers can support deaf staff in their work environment, but they generally fall into three main groups:
Physical assistive technology
Training for employees
Psychological environment
PHYSICAL ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
By making use of assistive technology, disabled employees will be able to carry out their job responsibilities without impediments.
Have you heard about Access to Work (AtW)?
This is a Government grant scheme that can pay for support and equipment in the workplace such as:
Hearing aids
Specialist products (listening equipment, flashing-light fire alarms, amplified telephones and textphones)
Communication support services to help the deaf employees to communicate in meetings, take notes at work or answer the phone.
And this is FREE for you!
TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES
Investing in training and Deaf Awareness is vital. Staff members should receive all necessary training to know how they can support their deaf colleague(s).
We will provide to your company FREE Deaf Awareness training when booking a Communication Support Worker (CSW). Ask us how we can support you!
PSYCHOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT
There are different and essential elements to develop a nice and successful workplace such as:
TRUST. Trust establishes a more engaged workforce and also a higher productivity rates.
COMMUNICATION. Good communication develops positive and long lasting employee morale and will establish a deeper sense of loyalty to the organization.
WELL-BEING. Being concerned for staff well-being is not a costly endeavour! 15 minute breaks instead of 10, small incentive programs or comfortable environments in which to take breaks are all good examples!
RESPECT and the friendly attitude that comes from Deaf Awareness Training Sessions are the key to a successful work environment.
Regular RECOGNITION/REWARD for good work is always a great thing to keep staff motivated, and a good way to know what motivates each member of the team is to have a staff suggestion box :)
INTERNAL PROMOTIONS in order to motivate staff and to avoid making them feel trapped in a dead-end job.
This is fact, not fiction! We think all these elements and ways to support a deaf employee are easy and completely achievable for you, and also excellent tips not only to use with a deaf worker, but with the whole company!
In a Nutshell; the reasons to employ a deaf person
To build a more diverse and inclusive workplace
Deaf employees offer high quality of work. They are considered to be dependable, loyal, and responsible by their employers
Employers can get Access to Work grant from the Government to cover support and equipment in the workplace
With Deaf Awareness Training you develop an understanding of deafness and Deaf culture, and will enjoy of the wonders of this community
So now, ask yourself what are the barriers? What's stopping you from employing a Deaf person?
Let us help! Contact us now.
Look at the selection of deaf people actively looking for a job from our job club:
TRADES:
Mr. P. – Mitcham – Looking for painting and decorating – 25 years experience
Mr. B. – Kilburn – Delivery Driver – 9 years experience
Mr. H. – Bromley – Electrician – just finished College
Mrs. L. – Greenwich – Cleaner – 5 years experience
ADMIN:
Mr. J. - Kensington – Looking for an admin roll – 20 years experience
Mr. A. – Bromley – Wants a nursery childcare apprenticeship – 3 years work experience
Mrs. J. - School Teacher assistant, administration, or supermarket
Mr. P. - London - Part time Specialist Outreach Worker
RETAIL:
Mr. C. – Bexley – Wants retail work – no experience
*Source: Family Resources Survey (2020 to 21)