Discrimination claims brought by Deaf people increased by 37.5% in the last quarter, according to statistics released by the RAD (formerly the Royal Association for Deaf People).
Jeff Brattan-Wilson, RAD spokesman has commented: “Society has changed, with recession disproportionately affecting deaf people who cannot always find deaf-friendly advisors to help them. British Sign Language, not English, is the first language for most deaf people.”
The increase in cases has highlighted the need for more services to be tailored to Deaf people’s needs, particularly when it comes to getting legal advice.
Linda Hunter, Head of Family and Employment at Frodsham based Rowlinsons Solicitors agrees: “It is important for all Deaf people to be able to communicate in their chosen language, and these latest statistics highlight the lack of services available to members of the Deaf Community. We at Rowlinsons Solicitors are in a unique position to be able to offer Deaf clients expert legal advice through the use of British Sign Language. I am qualified to give legal advice to deaf clients using BSL, having successfully obtained NVQ Level 3 in BSL at West Cheshire College.”
Denis Stevenson, Managing Director of Rowlinsons adds, “Rowlinsons Solicitors are dedicated to providing expert legal advice to all members of the Community. We are delighted to be one of only a handful of legal practices providing this in-house service to our clients.”
