Contacta

Press Release

Helping Sainsbury's Assist their Customers

Contacta have negotiated a major contract with Sainsbury's to supply and fit InfoLoop induction loop systems in all their stores. The InfoLoop systems will provide assistance for the hard of hearing, as required by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA).

With stores across the country, Sainsbury's were looking for a provider who they could rely upon to fulfil this major contract. The supermarket retailer was impressed with the technical expertise that Contacta could demonstrate, backed by the breadth and depth of experience gained over 30 years of helping service providers improve the ways they interact with the public.

The contract for Sainsbury's involves their entire network 530 stores. Contacta personnel carry out an audit of each store and submit recommendations for provision of induction loops. Management at Sainsbury's Head Office then make the appropriate order, and fitting is carried out by Contacta's installation team. The project is on course for completion by the end of September 2004.

A fair hearing for all


		Contacta Mini InfoLoop induction loops are being provided at all key positions of interaction between Sainsbury's staff and customers. This includes Customer Service Desks and selected Checkouts, as well as at the Restaurant, Kiosk, Pharmacy and Petrol Station (at stores which have these outlets).

		Contacta Mini InfoLoop systems are fixed under the appropriate counter, with all elements of the system entirely concealed. This ensures no useful space is taken up by the system, and that there are no trailing wires to get in the way at these busy positions. The only visible element is the yellow induction loop sign that tells customers of the availability of InfoLoop assistance. To hear speech clearly, customers simply need to switch their hearing aid to the ‘T' position.

		Maintaining privacy The aerial range of each Contacta Mini InfoLoop! may be precisely adjusted to ensure that customers may stand naturally at the counter – rather than lean over or take up any other awkward position - and be assured not only of clear reception, but also that their conversation will remain private.

		In addition, because Mini InfoLoop is designed to be always ‘ON', customers do not have to request assistance. On the contrary, assistance is always available. Currently Sainsbury's are considering further extending this principle by providing each store with a Clipboard InfoLoop. This will enable staff to provide induction loop assistance for hearing aid users anywhere in the store, and even outside in the car park.