RNID, the largest charity representing the 9 million deaf and hard of hearing people in the UK, is offering free employment consultancy to organisations through Activeguidance, an e-mail service.

The DDA comes into full force on 1 October 2004 and stipulates “reasonable adjustments” to ensure that disabled people have equal employment opportunities. Many managers may worry about the costs these adjustments could involve and RNID can advise organisations on their DDA obligations as well as the most efficient means of achieving them.

Alan McClure, Employment Manager at RNID, says: “As well as helping employers understand ‘reasonable adjustments’ under the DDA, we think our advice will give companies an advantage over their competitors. One in seven people are deaf or hard of hearing and they will take their custom to organisations that employ people who understand their needs. A deaf or hard of hearing member of staff could raise deaf awareness within organisations as well as giving a broader range of customers the confidence to do business with them.”

To find out more about Activeguidance go to the employment section of www.rnid.org.uk or call 0808 808 0123.