Access brings happiness, barriers bring despair

Please support us. At the heart of our communities, poor hearing access is eating away at the well-being, independence and dignity of large numbers of people.

We want that to change. We want to break down the barriers between those who can and those who cannot and we want to do that by tackling things that are straightforward to fix.

We are a community-spirited not-for-profit organisation run by people with hearing loss. We want to deliver a programme of talks and workshops to community groups around Scotland.

These will be backed up by short videos and useful resources that will also be available to groups across the UK (and beyond). This activity will share knowledge and boost confidence so more people know how to identify and fix the simple things that have such a negative impact on people's lives.

Our goal is to help ensure everyone can take enjoy and participate in community activities and that they can do this effectively, comfortably and with dignity.

Having hearing loss or deafness does not mean that poor hearing experiences are inevitable. In fact, most of people with hearing loss will recognise that they hear and follow without problem or struggle in some situations, yet in others are entirely blocked and stressed.

It is not their hearing that is altering, it is the environment and the behaviours of others.

These things are fixable. They include: noise levels, room acoustics, use of microphones, loudspeakers and hearing loops, speaking mannerisms and communication styles, the way things are run, and the use of language and communication support.

In 2018, we published the Hearing Access Protocol, a manual that sets out guidelines for how to ensure everyone, whatever their level of hearing or deafness, can join in and take part. This was welcomed in the Scottish Parliament in 2019 .

We also run the Hearing Access Awards to recognise individuals and organisations that knock down barriers and make live better. These awards also call out the situations and barriers that disadvantage people, disabling their ability to participate, to take up opportunities and to enjoy themselves.

With your help, we can share practical and useful information about how things can be better and easier. With you help, we can help community groups and community venues to deliver positive and uplifting experiences.

Thank you.