Hearing Dog Friendly Challenge
The charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People holds an annual Hearing Dog Friendly challenge to recognise and encourage good practice for deaf people in public places. Nowadays, lots of towns and cities, as well as other service providers, are helping to improve the quality of life for deaf people by making sure that public places are accessible and people are friendly and welcoming.
Hearing Dogs are registered assistance dogs, so should be given the same access as guide dogs for the blind and now that the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) is law, it is even more important for organisations to show they are compliant with the regulations.
Hearing dogs come in all shapes and sizes but all are trained and cared for to the same high standard as guide dogs. In recognition of this fact, the Institutes of Environmental Health Officers across the UK authorise that hearing dogs should be permitted into public places.
If you know of a town, city or service provider that welcomes hearing dogs - why not put them forward for a 2006 Hearing Dog Friendly Award? It's a great opportunity to publicly acknowledge and thank people who are making an effort and to encourage others to follow suit.
Go to www.hearing-dogs.co.uk for more details of this and lots of other challenges you can get involved with.
