Scottish Council on Deafness: Report, 2008 (Part 7)

Steps taken to ensure people have access to meetings/events

The Councils were asked what steps do they take to ensure Deaf Sign Language users, Deafblind and Deafened people have access to public meetings regarding their Local Plan.

Deaf People

- 15 Councils will arrange BSL/English Interpreters on request.
- One Council books BSL/English Interpreters for public meetings as standard.
- Four Councils do not consider the needs of Deaf people when organising public meetings.
- Five Councils did not answer the question.
- Aberdeen City Council contacted a number of disability organisations, none of which responded, so no further contact was considered.
- Argyll & Bute Council consider the health and safety implications for Deaf people, but not their communication support needs.
- East Lothian Council is currently reviewing all its procedures.
- North Ayrshire Council have not organised any meetings in recent times, so have nothing to report.

Deafblind People

- 16 Councils will arrange support on request.
- Four Councils do not consider the needs of Deafblind people when organising public meetings.
- Eight Councils did not answer the question.
- East Lothian Council is currently reviewing all its procedures.
- North Ayrshire Council have not organised any meetings in recent times, so have nothing to report.

Deafened People

- 12 Councils provide support on request.
- Nine Councils provide a loop system at all public meetings but nothing else.
- Four Councils do not consider the needs of Deafened people when organising public meetings.
- Two Councils did not answer the question.
- East Lothian Council is currently reviewing all its procedures.
- North Ayrshire Council have not organised any meetings in recent times, so have nothing to report.