The Scottish Parliament election on 7 May is a vital moment to push for, and secure change. Everyday, RNID represents more than 1.5 million people in Scotland who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus. That’s 1 in 3 people who face barriers every day that prevent them from accessing the services, support and opportunities they need. Many of these barriers can be easily fixed - but only if the next government prioritise action.
To achieve this, RNID is calling on the next Welsh Government to adopt our four key asks:
1. Consistent access to quality audiology services across the NHS
People are waiting too long for hearing checks, hearing aids and specialist audiology care. This can limit people’s ability to work, socialise, and live well.
By supporting RNID’s asks, you’re calling for:
- Shorter waiting times
- Consistent audiology care across health boards
- Earlier intervention.
2. Equal access to the NHS for deaf people, people with hearing loss or tinnitus
People who are deaf or have hearing loss avoid seeking NHS treatment, don’t understand the information they are given and, ultimately, feel unable to manage their own physical and mental health because of failures of the NHS to provide accessible healthcare (Read more about our Still Ignored campaign) .
RNID is calling for:
- Better communication support
- Accessible digital services and standards
- Training for NHS staff on meeting people’s communication needs.
3. Guarantee equal opportunities in the workplace
Deaf people, particularly BSL users, and people who have hearing loss or tnnitus face persistent barriers to entering, remaining and progressing in the workplace. Negative attitudes and behaviours from employers and colleagues remain the biggest challenge and undermine efforts for inclusion at work.
RNID is asking future governments to:
- Invest in an accessible, one‑stop Employability Hub that brings all employment support together
- Introduce sustainable funding for employment support services.
4. Work with the BSL community to transform their life chances
In 2015, Scotland passed the British Sign Language Act. The landmark legislation aimed to improve access to information and services in British Sign Language (BSL). However, Scottish deaf BSL users continue to face barriers accessing services and information in BSL.
RNID is asking future governments to:
- Strengthen delivery of the BSL Act by involving BSL users in shaping BSL Plans
- Prioritise the 2019 Landscape Review’s recommendations and expand interpreter training.
You can read the full Scotland manifesto on the RNID website.
