“By 2050 nearly 2.5 billion people are projected to have some degree of hearing loss and at least 700 million will require hearing rehabilitation.” – The World Health Organisation
World Hearing Day is a day in which people come together to raise awareness around the prevention of hearing loss.
“A person who is not able to hear as well as someone with normal hearing – hearing thresholds of 20 dB or better in both ears – is said to have hearing loss” – The World Health Organisation
Hearing Impairments & The Access Card
Here at The Access Card, we support many cardholders to help them discreetly communicate the barriers they might face when out and about or visiting shows, events or tourist destinations and have provided some more information about some of the typical access requirements we have processed.
Everyone is different and experiences their needs in different ways, but here are some examples based on our experience.
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Accessing Audible Information
If you have difficulty with accessing/understanding audible information, the Access Card has a symbol to help communicate this access requirement.
Different providers have different systems in place to facilitate this access requirement.
For example, AO Arena has induction loops installed throughout the venue and BSL-interpreted and captioned performances are available. Please let the box office know if you would like to book tickets for these performances.
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Essential Companions
For those that require a substantial amount of support from another person, such as a BSL interpreter, we also have the +1 symbol which indicates to providers that you would need a substantial amount of support to be able to access their facilities.
Different providers have different systems in place to facilitate this access requirement.
For example, Chessington World of Adventures Resort accepts Access Cards with the ‘+1’ symbol as proof for a free essential companion ticket.
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Thinking of applying for a Card?
If you think the above would be useful for you and would like to apply for your Access Card you can do so quickly and easily by completing our short online application form and uploading some supporting information confirming your needs.
Further Sources of Information, Advice, and Support
Check out our full directory for how these symbols apply at over 1,000 venues in the UK and beyond.
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Hearing Link
“We’re here to help you adjust to the practical and emotional challenges that hearing loss can bring – offering shared experiences, practical support and guidance, so you can reconnect with people and face the future with confidence. Whatever your query or concern, whether you have hearing loss yourself or wish to support someone else, please get in touch. We look forward very much to hearing from you.”
Hearing Link
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Tel: Call or text 01844 348111
Web: https://www.hearinglink.org/
Email: enquiries@hearinglink.org
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The British Deaf Society
“The BDA is the UK’s leading membership organisation and registered charity run by Deaf people for Deaf people. The BDA delivers a range of services to achieve its aims of empowering Deaf people to overcome difficulties that they face on a daily basis.“
The British Deaf Society
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Text/FaceTime: 07795 410724
Web: https://bda.org.uk/
Email: bda@bda.org.uk
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📷: https://www.facebook.com/HearingLink
