Information Line (Freephone)
Telephone 0808 808 0123
Textphone 0808 808 9000
informationline@rnid.org.uk
Telephone 0808 808 0123
Textphone 0808 808 9000
informationline@rnid.org.uk
RNID: For deaf and hard of hearing people.
Your rights
There has been legislation in place since 1948 setting out the power of local authorities to provide services to those people who have disabilities.
Local authorities have a duty to assess the need for equipment or facilities which are designed to improve the safety, comfort or convenience of people who have a disability. Where appropriate, they also have to provide it.
In particular, local authorities must assess the circumstances of each person so that they can target resources towards those with the greatest need.
Values and principles
Deaf people have a number of key rights, including:
- information - the right to be well informed
- participation - the right to access all social services
- diversity - the same rights and opportunities as hearing people, free from discrimination
- safety - the right to be safe, healthy and protected from abuse, bullying or neglect
- choice - the right to independence and to make choices about things that affect their lives
- dignity - the right to have their dignity respected in the home and community
- equality - the right to a standard of living and quality of life equal to that enjoyed by hearing people.
Social services departments are responsible for upholding these rights by providing support services, assessing people's needs and supplying or loaning equipment without charge. RNID is involved in the delivery of some of the services relating to sensory disability on behalf of some local authority social services departments.