Members of Forth Valley U3A and Callander U3A have played a key part in the launch of a new Hearing Access Protocol that aims to make meetings and events less stressful and frustrating for people with hearing loss.
Launched on 2 August by Dunblane-based Ideas for Ears, the Hearing Access Protocol sets out how meetings and events should be run so they can be heard or followed by everyone, whatever their hearing ability.
It provides details of good practice that everyone can benefit from and the specific adjustments that some people may additionally require.
Alan Blue, member of Forth Valley U3A, comments: “As someone who has hearing difficulties, I have experienced first-hand how it feels not to be able to follow a meeting because I have missed what someone said. The Hearing Access Protocol is a brilliant resource that has long been needed.”
Forth Valley U3A is now developing a project to promote awareness and use of the Hearing Access Protocol.
Alan adds: “I would love to see all U3A branches adopt the protocol. The guidance it offers can assist the U3A to become more accessible and inclusive and that is definitely a goal that we are all aiming for.”
Find out more at: https://www.ideasforears.org.uk/hearing-access-protocol/
Listen to a feature on BBC Good Morning Scotland (about 45 minutes into this broadcast): https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0074hf7/episodes/player
