Contacta

Press Release - 08/09/2005

Contacta enables DTI to maintain confidentiality while helping hard-of-hearing visitors

The Department of Trade and Industry [DTI] has used Contacta InfoLoop™ systems at its Conference and Training Centre to help its own compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act [DDA] 1995. The installations provide a better working environment for staff with hearing difficulties, and a better service for members of the public who wear a hearing aid, without compromising the confidentiality of meetings in which they participate

The project gave Contacta another opportunity to demonstrate its expertise in devising tailor-made solutions for clients with specific requirements. In this case, the DTI was legally obliged under the Act to provide equality of access for those with disability including hearing impairment. However, they needed to ensure that what was said within DTI meeting rooms could not be heard outside the confines of the room concerned. Confidentiality was a paramount requirement.

Contacta specialises in helping service providers, both public and private, to raise the quality of their service delivery – and was able to respond to the specific challenge of ensuring confidentiality.



		Alasdair Noble, Contacta Key Account Manager for organisations in the public sector, explained the problem: “In situations where confidentiality is a fundamental issue, one of the features of traditional induction loop technology – that it is unaffected by physical obstructions – becomes a disadvantage. The signal can ‘leak’ into the corridor or other adjacent areas and so could be picked up by people outside the meeting.”

		However, he continued, Contacta had the ideal solution: “The answer was to use infra-red technology. The signal from a Contacta Infrared system transmits to a receiver worn by each individual it is intended to serve, and can only be picked up within the room. Confidentiality is therefore assured, yet hearing aid wearers can participate fully in the meeting.”

		Contacta offers a choice of infra-red systems to suit a wide range of circumstances and customer needs. As well as concealed fixed installations, there are portable, easy-to-assemble desk systems that may be set up as and when required. In all cases wireless technology is used, so that the meeting room and conference table remain uncluttered.

		In reception areas of the Conference and Training Centre, the DTI has also provided assistance for hearing aid wearers by fitting Contacta Mini InfoLoop™ systems. These are designed to be fixed under reception desks, counters and similar applications. They are entirely concealed and unobtrusive, yet remain ‘ON’ throughout working hours. The hard-of-hearing need only switch their hearing aid to the ‘T’ (Telecoil) position – and are able to hear clearly what the reception member of staff is saying, with little or no background noise intruding.

		In the UK almost 9 million people are deaf or hard-of-hearing, of which about 3.5 million are of working age (16 to 65-years-old)*. Hearing impairment is a recognised disability under the terms of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA), and it is now a legal requirement for all service providers to take positive action to assist those with a disability (including those with hearing difficulties).

		Contacta has over 30 years’ experience working with organisations of all sizes providing services in both the public and private sectors to improve communications, service quality and security, and is an OGC Buying Solutions approved supplier.

		*Source: RNID