19 Sep Longstanding Partnership with RNID: Championing Hearing Impairment Support Nationwide

For more than two decades, Contacta Systems has proudly partnered with RNID (Royal National Institute for Deaf People), the leading UK charity dedicated to supporting people who are deaf, have hearing loss, or experience tinnitus. Our collaboration is built on a shared mission: to ensure that public spaces are accessible and inclusive for everyone, particularly through comprehensive hearing impairment support.

A Partnership Rooted in Accessibility

The roots of this partnership date back to 1995, following the introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). This landmark legislation created a legal requirement for businesses and service providers to make reasonable adjustments for individuals with disabilities—including those with hearing loss.

As demand for hearing loops increased across the UK, Contacta emerged as a trusted supplier and installer of assistive listening solutions. Our expertise in intercom and loop systems quickly gained recognition, and RNID began collaborating with us to rigorously test these systems to ensure their reliability and performance for users.

This initial collaboration evolved into a long-term relationship, with both organisations actively working to increase the availability and effectiveness of hearing impairment support in customer-facing environments.

Continuing the Work Under the Equality Act

While the DDA has since been replaced by the Equality Act, our joint efforts have only grown in scope. Together, Contacta and RNID have worked to raise awareness among businesses, public venues, and community organisations about their legal and ethical responsibilities to provide equal access to people with hearing loss.

From supermarkets and banks to museums and theatres, our systems have been installed in thousands of locations, helping to create environments where people with hearing difficulties can fully participate without barriers.

Technical Expertise and Public Education

In addition to providing high-quality hearing loop and assistive listening solutions, Contacta has contributed extensively to RNID’s educational resources. We’ve supplied technical insights, product information, and user guidance to help inform RNID’s campaigns and tools—available on their website for public use.

These resources have empowered countless organisations to understand the importance of hearing impairment support and implement the right solutions confidently and correctly.

Supporting the Cause Financially

Our support isn’t limited to technology and training. In 2021, we deepened our partnership by introducing a charitable donation initiative. For every order referred to Contacta through RNID, we donate 5% of the order’s value back to the charity. This initiative helps fund RNID’s broader work—supporting research, education, and direct services for those affected by hearing loss.

Real-World Impact

The impact of our collaboration is felt in communities large and small. We’ve installed assistive listening systems in village halls, churches, council chambers, and iconic locations such as London’s National Portrait Gallery.

One standout example comes from Shurdington Community Centre in Gloucestershire. Following a successful installation of loop systems across three event spaces, Centre spokesperson Graham Allen said:

“Visitors now benefit from hearing loops in our three halls. The engineers explained the process to us and listened very carefully to our requirements and concerns. They worked efficiently and were a pleasure to work with. The loop systems greatly enhance the accessibility of our site.”

This is just one of many testimonials that reflect how RNID and Contacta’s work delivers meaningful, practical hearing impairment support that improves quality of life.

Looking to the Future

As the number of people living with hearing loss in the UK continues to grow, the need for reliable, effective, and user-friendly assistive technology is more critical than ever. Our partnership with RNID positions us to meet this growing demand with experience, integrity, and compassion.

We remain committed to providing solutions that go beyond compliance—they enrich lives, promote independence, and foster inclusivity.

Together with RNID, we’re proud to be advancing the cause of hearing impairment support for millions across the UK.