Breaking down barriers

In Scotland, many people who are deaf or hard of hearing face barriers in accessing a range of services such as GPs, hospitals, social work services, education, employment opportunities, shops or leisure activities. These barriers can lead to social isolation, exclusion, people not being able to achieve their full potential. RNID Scotland works in three key areas to break down these barriers:

Campaigning for change

RNID Scotland campaigns and lobbies on behalf of deaf and hard of hearing people in the Scottish Parliament, and raises awareness of deafness in the media, among health professionals and the general public. Read more about campaigning in Scotland.

Changing attitudes

RNID Scotland challenges negative attitudes and lack of awareness about deafness and hearing loss. We run training courses to help employers become more responsive to the needs of deaf people and those with other disabilities.

Providing direct services

We provide a number of services in Scotland directly to people who are deaf or hard of hearing and employers: