Factsheet 1

Contacts

a. National Organisations
b. Communication Support
c. Technical Devices and Aids
d. Education
e. Local Authorities
f. Government Departments and Agencies
g. Rail and Coach Travel
h. Books and Other Publications

a. National Organisations

British Deaf Association (BDA) – see Sign Community

British Tinnitus Association (BTA)
Provides information and support, training and raising awareness.
Produces a quarterly magazine for members.
BTA, Ground Floor, Unit 5, Acorn Business Park, Woodseats Close, Sheffield S8 0TB
Freephone helpline 0800 018 0527
Telephone: 0114 2 50 9922, Textphone: 0114 258 5694, Fax: 0114 258 2279
Email: info@tinnitus.org.uk, Website: www.tinnitus.org.uk

Deafness Research UK
Is the medical charity for deaf and hard of hearing people.
They have a booklet entitled “Managing Tinnitus”, which is available on request.
The website has a lot of information on deafness.
Deafness Research UK, 330-332 Gray’s Inn Road, London WC1X 8EE
Telephone (voice) 0808 808 2222, Textphone: 020 7915 1412, Fax: 020 7278 0404
Email: info@deafnessresearch.org.uk, Website: www.deafnessresearch.org.uk

DeafPLUS
Works to encourage integration and equality between deaf and hearing people in all areas of life.
National Office: First Floor, Trinity Centre, Key Close, Whitechapel, London E1 4HG
Telephone:020 7790 6147, Textphone: 020 7790 5999, Fax: 020 7790 6147
Email: info@deafplus.org, Website: www.deafplus.org/

Equality and Human Rights Commission Disability Helpline (England)
Freepost RRLL-GHUX-CTRX
Arndale House, Arndale Centre, Manchester M4 3EQ
Telephone: 0845 604 6610, Textphone: 0845 604 6620, Fax: 08457 778 878
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 9.00am to 5.00pm; Wed 9.00am to 8.00pm
Website: http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/Pages/default.aspx

Hearing Concern LINK
Formed in September 2008 by the merger of Hearing Concern, a national charity dedicated to improving the quality of life of those who are hard of hearing, and LINK, which provides a variety of services for deafened people, their families, and the professionals who work with them, including rehabilitation programmes for those who have recently become deafened and their families.
Hearing Concern LINK, 19 Hartfield Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 2AR
Telephone: 01323 638230, Textphone: 01323 739998, Fax: 01323 642 968
Email: info@hearingconcernlink.org, Website: www.hearingconcernlink.org

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
Select and train dogs to alert deaf people to sounds they cannot hear such as the alarm clock, baby cry, smoke alarm and many others.
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, The Grange, Wycombe Road, Saunderton, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire HP27 9NS
Telephone: 01844 348 100 (voice & textphone), Fax: 01844 348 101
Email: info@hearing-dogs.co.uk, Website: www.hearing-dogs.co.uk

LINK see Hearing Concern LINK above.

Ménière’s Society
Helps people with Ménière’s (vertigo), tinnitus and deafness.
The Ménière’s Society, The Rookery, Surrey Hills Business Park, Wotton, Dorking, Surrey RH5 6QT
Helpline: 0845 120 2975, Textphone: 01306 876883, Fax: 01306 876 057
Email: info@menieres.org.uk, Website: www.menieres.org.uk

Music and the Deaf
Supports music opportunities for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Organises workshops, courses and signed theatre performance.
Music and the Deaf, Media Centre, 7 Northumberland Street, Huddersfield HD1 1RL
Telephone: 01484 483115, Textphone: 01484 483117, Fax: 01484 483 116
Email: info@matd.org.uk, Website: www.matd.org.uk

National Cochlear Implant Users Association (NCIUA)
Provides information and support for cochlear implant users.
Email: secretary@nciua.org.uk, Website: www.nciua.org.uk

National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS)
The only UK charity providing a comprehensive range of support and services to all deaf children and their families.
NDCS Head Office, 15 Dufferin Street, London EC1Y 8UR
Freefone helpline 0808 800 8880
Telephone: 020 7490 8656, Textphone: 020 7490 8656, Fax: 020 7251 5020
Email: ndcs@ndcs.org.uk, Website: http://www.ndcs.org.uk/

RNID
The largest charity representing deaf and hard of hearing people in the UK.
RNID Head Office, 19- 23 Featherstone Street, London EC1Y 8SL
Telephone: 0808 808 0123, Textphone: 0808 808 9000, Fax: 020 7296 8199
E-mail: informationline@rnid.org.uk, Website: www.rnid.org.uk

Sign Community (formerly British Deaf Association)
A charity that represents the Sign Language community.
10 th Floor, Coventry Point, Market Way, Coventry CV1 1EA
Telephone: 02476 550 393, Textphone: 02476 550 936, Fax: 02476 221 541
Email: midlands@bda.org.uk , Website: www.signcommunity.org.uk
For contact details of other offices in North West England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, contact the above, or see www.signcommunity.org.uk

STAGETEXT
Provides captioning services for theatres. The text is displayed as the actors speak/sing, enabling people with a hearing loss to understand fully.
STAGETEXT, 54 Commercial Street, London E1 6LT
Telephone: 020 7377 0540, Textphone: 020 7247 7801, Fax: 020 7247 5622
Email: enquiries@stagetext.org, Website: www.stagetext.org

TAG
Aims to ensure that deaf, deafened, deafblind and hard of hearing people have access to electronic communication services and facilities at the equivalent cost and with similar ease of use to that enjoyed by hearing people.
TAG, 36 Victoria Street, Wetherby, Yorkshire LS22 6RE
Fax: 01937 580956
Email: tagenquiries@hotmail.com, Website: www.tagcomm.org.uk

Text Relay (formerly RNID Typetalk)
A national telephone relay service which enables deaf, deafblind, deafened, hard of hearing and speech-impaired people to communicate with hearing people anywhere in the world. It is run by the RNID and funded by BT.
Text Relay, PO Box 284, Liverpool L69 3UZ.
Text Helpline: 18001 0800 7311 888, Voice Helpline: 0800 7311 888,
Fax: 0151 709 8119
Email: helpline@textrelay.org, Website: www.textrelay.org

United Kingdom Council on Deafness (UKCoD)
The national umbrella organisation for charities and professional bodies concerned with deafness.
UK Council on Deafness, Westwood Park, London Road, Little Horkesley, Colchester, CO6 4BS.
Telephone: 01206 274075, Textphone: 01206 274076, Fax: 01206 274077
Email: info@deafcouncil.org.uk, Website: www.deafcouncil.org.uk

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b. Communication Support

Association of Lipspeakers (ALS)
The professional body that represents Lipspeakers.
5 Furlong Close, Upper Tean, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire ST10 4LB
Telephone: 01538 722482, Textphone: 01538 722442, Fax: 01538 722442
Mobile: 07973 359824
Email: information@lipspeaking.co.uk, Website: www.lipspeaking.co.uk

Association of Notetaking Professionals
The professional body representing manual and electronic notetakers working with deaf and disabled people.
ANP office: 102 Shurland Avenue, Barnet, EN4 8DD
Email: mail@anpnotetakers.co.uk, Website: www.anpnotetakers.co.uk

Association of Teachers of Lipreading to Adults (ATLA)
Maintains and develops standards of lipreading teaching to adults; promotes understanding of the needs of people with acquired hearing loss; provides a professional and recognised association for qualified teachers of lipreading to adults.
ATLA, Westwood Park, London Road, Little Horkesley, Colchester CO6 4BS
Email: ATLA@lipreading.org.uk, Website: www.lipreading.org.uk

Association of Verbatim Speech to Text Reporters (AVSTTR)
Offers a support network for STTRs, training and development opportunities to maintain a high standard of service to its users.
Email: enquiries@avsttr.org.uk, Website: www.avsttr.org.uk/

British Institute of Verbatim Reporters (BIVR)
The leading professional body for pen and machine shorthand writers in the UK, e.g. Speech to Text Reporters.
73 Alicia Gardens, Kenton, Harrow, Middlesex HA3 8JD
Fax: 020 8907 5820, Email: sec@bivr.org.uk, Website: www.bivr.org.uk

Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People (CACDP) See Signature

Cued Speech
The aim of Cued Speech for deaf children and adults is to help to overcome the problems of lipreading by making all the sounds of the spoken language clearly visible.
www.cuedspeech.co.uk/

NRCPD
National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People
Free, fully searchable database of STTR, Lipspeaker and Notetaker Communication Professionals available on NRCPD website:
www.nrcpd.org.uk

RNID
Offers a service to arrange STTR, Lipspeaker and Notetaker support
Tel: 0845 685 8000, Textphone: 0845 685 8001, Fax: 0845 685 8002
Email: communication.services@rnid.org.uk. Website: www.rnid.org.uk/howwhelp/our_services/communication_services/book_communication_support/enquiry_form/

Signature
The new name adopted by CACDP early in 2009. Signature is a UK awarding body offering qualifications in communication methods by deaf people and in deaf awareness and is the registration body for professional BSL/English interpreters, Lipspeakers, Deafblind Manual Interpreters and Speech to Text Reporters.
Signature, Mersey House, Mandale Business Park, Belmont, Durham, DH1 1TH
Telephone: 0191 383 1155, Textphone: 0191 383 7915, Fax: 0191 383 7914
Email: durham@signature.org.uk, Website: www.signature.org.uk
(A free directory of all types of Communication Professionals is available on this site. See also NRCPD)

Sign Solutions Ltd
Provide STTRs, Lipspeakers and Notetakers
Bordesley Hall, The Holloway, Alvechurch, Birmingham B48 7AQ
Telephone: 0845 0770041/42, SMS: 07816 217 228, Fax: 0845 077 0043
Email: office@signsolutions.uk.com, Website: www.signsolutions.uk.com

STTRs Direct
Specialise solely in Speech to Text communication (using either Palantype or Stenograph) for people who need that support in work, educational settings etc.
Telephone: 01707 642307
Email: enquiries@sttrsdirect.co.uk, Website: www.sttrsdirect.co.uk

Verbatim Reporting Services
Provide speech-to-text reporters.
7 Hillingdon Road, Wavertree, Liverpool L15 9ES
Mobile and SMS: 07970 438 088, Tel: 0151 283 2715
Email: franny@frannybarrett.freeserve.co.uk,
Website: www.verbatimreporting.co.uk

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c. Technical Devices and Aids

These companies sell environmental and technical devices such as loop systems, textphones, alerting devises etc and can give advice on specific equipment.

Connevans Ltd.
Connevans Ltd, 54 Albert Road North, Reigate, Surrey RH2 9YR
Telephone: 01737 247571, Textphone: 01737 243134, Fax: 01737 223475
Email: info@connevans.com, Website: www.connevans.com

Northern Acoustics
Northern Acoustics, 117 Townhead, Kirkintilloch G66 1NX
Telephone/Fax: 0141 776 2556, Textphone: 0141 775 2365
Email: info@northern-acoustics.co.uk, Website: www.northern-acoustics.co.uk

RNID Shop
(Formerly Sound Advantage)
1 Haddonbrook Business Centre, Orton Southgate, Peterborough PE2 6YX
Telephone: 0870 7898855, Textphone: 01733 238020 (Text), Fax: 0870 789 8822
Website: www.rnid.org.uk/shop/

Sarabec Ltd
Sarabec Ltd, 15 High Force Rd, Middlesbrough TS2 1RH
Telephone: 01642 247789, Textphone: 01642 251310, Fax: 01642 230827
Email: mail@sarabec.co.uk, Website: www.sarabec.co.uk

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d. Education

Educational Grants Advisory Service (EGAS)
Offers guidance and advice on funding for people over 16 studying in the UK.
EGAS, 501-505 Kingsland Road, London E8 4AU
Telephone: 020 7254 6251 (2-4pm, Tue, Wed, Thu)
184 Lightbowne Road, Moston, Manchester, M40 5EE
Telephone:0161 684 2180 (2-4pm, Tue, Wed, Thu)
Website: www.egas-online.org

City Lit Centre for Deaf People
The City Lit Centre for Deaf People provides education, training and support for deaf and deafened people and those wishing to work with deaf people.
The City Lit, Keeley Street, London WC2B 4BA
Telephone: 020 7492 2725, Textphone: 020 7492 2746, Fax: 020 7492 2745
Email: deafedu@citylit.ac.uk, Website: www.citylit.ac.uk/

National Union of Students
Provides research, representation, training and expert advice for individual students and students’ unions.
NUS, Centro 3, 19 Mandela Street, London NW1 0DU
Telephone: 0871 221 8221, Textphone: 020 7380 6649, Fax: 0871 221 8222
Email: nusuk@nus.org.uk, Website: www.nusonline.co.uk

Skill - National Bureau for Students with Disabilities
A national charity promoting opportunities for young people and adults with any kind of disability in post-16 education, training and employment across the UK.
Skill , Unit 3, Floor 3, Radisson Court, 219 Long Lane, London SE1 4PR
Information Service available Mon – Thurs, 1.30 pm – 4.30pm.
Free helpline: 0800 328 5050,
Telephone/ Textphone: 020 7450 0620, Fax: 020 7450 0650
Email: skill@skill.org.uk, Website: www.skill.org.uk

Student Awards Agency for Scotland
Deals with financial support and gives advice to eligible Scottish students in higher education throughout the United Kingdom, together with certain related roles in connection with student loans, hardship funds and educational endowments.
The Student Awards Agency for Scotland, Gyleview House, 3 Redheughs Rigg, Edinburgh EH12 9HH
Telephone:0845 111 1711, Fax: 0131 244 5887
Email: saas.geu@scotland.gsi.gov.uk, Website; www.saas.gov.uk

Student Loans Company Ltd
Administers loans to eligible students in higher education in the United Kingdom. It is wholly owned by the UK Government.
Student Loans Company Limited, 100 Bothwell Street, Glasgow G2 7JD
Telephone: 0141 306 2000, Fax: 0141 306 2005
Website: www.slc.co.uk

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e. Local Authorities

Local authorities deal with many different groups of people with particular needs, including people who are deaf. Adult Social Service departments throughout the UK will offer deaf people quite different services and support. By registering with your local authority, you may qualify for discounted public transport by rail and bus.
Contact your town hall or your local social services office to find out about the range of services available. Contact details may be found in public libraries, newspapers and telephone directories. Most local authorities will have a website which will take the form www.( name of authority).gov.uk (e.g. www.sheffield.gov.uk)

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f. Government Departments and Agencies

Benefit Enquiry Line
Confidential advice and information for people with disabilities, and their carers and representatives, about social security benefits and how to claim them.
Benefit Enquiry Line, 2nd Floor, Red Rose House, Lancaster Road, Preston, PR1 2QP
Telephone: 0800 88 22 00, Textphone: 0800 24 33 55, Fax: 01772 23 89 53
Website: www.dwp.gov.uk /contact/contact_atoz.asp#bel

Department for Education and Learning Northern Ireland (DELNI)
Responsible for third level education, training and a range of employment measures aimed at giving people the skills, knowledge and opportunities to work. See other details on website.
Website: www.delni.gov.uk

Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF)
Responsible for all aspects of Education and Training in England and Wales. If you have a disability and are studying or plan to study a Higher Education course you may be entitled to a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) from your Local Education Authority (LEA).
Website: www.dcsf.gov.uk

Department of Health (DoH)
Runs the National Health Service, mostly through locally based Primary Care Trusts (PCT) and Acute Hospital Trusts and is responsible for setting health and social care policy. These organisations are responsible for the provision of hearing aids, cochlear implants, hearing therapy, speech therapy as well as all other treatment available through the NHS.
Website: www.dh.gov.uk

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
Responsible for all matters relating to employment and benefits. The Department employs disability advisers, runs jobcentres and administers benefits and tax credits and is responsible for a range of benefits and services for people who are sick or have a disability
Website: www.dwp.gov.uk
The DWP’s Disability Policy Division has its own website: www.disability.gov.uk

Directgov
Has the widest range of government information and services. Information for disabled people in areas such as employment, health and education. There’s also advice on independent living, leisure, financial support and rights.
Website: www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople

Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance
If you are eligible for these benefits they are paid at different rates depending on how your disability affects you. Contact your social security office for a claim form. Find your local office on the DWP website or look in the phone book under Benefits Agency, Jobcentre Plus or social security.
Warbreck House, Warbreck Hill, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY2 0YE
Telephone: 0845 712 3456, Textphone: 0845 722 4433

Jobcentre Plus
Part of the DWP. Provides help and advice on job hunting and extra support
Correspondence Manager, Jobcentre Plus Secretariat, Ground Floor, Steel City House, West Street, Sheffield S1 2GQ
Telephone: See local telephone directory

Jobseeker Direct
A phone service which keeps you in touch with the latest job vacancies and helps you find the job that’s right for you.
Telephone: 0845 6060 234, Textphone: 0845 6055 255
Website: www.jobseekersuk.net

Pension Credit
Pension Credit is an entitlement for people aged 60 or over living in Great Britain. This could mean extra money for you every week.
/p> Telephone: 0800 99 1234, Textphone: 0800 169 0133
Website: www.thepensionservice.gov.uk

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g. Rail and Coach Travel

Disabled Person’s Railcard
Depending on the nature of your disability, you may qualify for a Disabled Persons Railcard.
Rail Travel Made Easy, PO Box 11631, Laurencekirk AB30 9AA
Telephone: 0845 605 0525, Textphone:0845 601 0132
Email: disability@atoc.org, Website: www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk

National Rail Enquiries Online
Offers information on rail travel and the purchase of tickets through an authorised online retailer
Website: www.nationalrail.co.uk

National Express
Provides coach travel and the purchase of tickets
Ensign Court, 4 Vicarage Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3ES
Telephone: 08717 818181, Textphone: 0121 455 0086
Website: www.nationalexpress.com/coach

The Trainline
Find out times, book tickets and reserve seats for any train operator in mainland UK.
Website: www.the trainline.com

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h. Books and Other Publications

Forest Bookshop Books, videos etc relating to deaf and hard of hearing issues
Forest Books, The New Building, Ellwood Road, Milkwall, Coleford, Glos. GL16 7LE.
Telephone/Text: 01594 833858, Fax: 01594 833446
Website: www.forestbooks.com

NADP
NADP, PO Box 50, Amersham, Bucks HP6 6XB
Email: enquiries@nadp.org.uk, Website: www.nadp.org.uk

RNID Library
Houses collections relating to the audiology and deaf studies
RNID Library, Institute of Laryngology and Otology, 330-332 Grays Inn Rd, London, WC1X 8EE
Telephone/Textphone: 020 7915 1553, Fax: 020 7915 1443
Website: www.rnid.org.uk/information_resources/rnid_library/

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