The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has entered into a legal agreement with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to improve their provision for deaf claimants who contact them by telephone.
In its agreement with the EHRC, the DWP has committed to an action plan to address the problems complainants identified.
- to provide a Video Relay Service (VRS) across telephony services for all benefits and services
- to ensure customers can easily locate what they need in order to request information in alternative accessible formats
- to improve their customer information system so disabled people’s communication needs are recorded and shared
- to improve the use of Equality Analysis in the design and delivery of all changes
The EHRC will monitor DWP’s action plan on a monthly basis to ensure the agreed steps have been completed.
Read more about the legal agreement on the EHRC website
D/Deaf people in Sheffield can access free information, advice and support from Citizens Advice Sheffield’s Deaf Advice Team. The team provides advice by Face Time, Skype and Facebook video messenger and can be contacted by email at deafadvice@citizensadvicesheffield.org.uk or by SMS/Whatsapp at 07464544214.
