§ Mr. LevittTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what arrangements are in place for communication support for young deaf users of British Sign Language entering the New Deal gateway with particular reference to the early stages. [30680]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithThere is explicit guidance for dealing with those clients who are deaf or hard of hearing. Employment Service staff are trained to recognise hearing impairment and to lip read. They are asked not to make assumptions about an individual's ability to communicate or the ways in which they do so. They are advised to ask the client to tell them what means of communication they favour and to accede to any requests for sign language to be used. Jobcentres have access to sign language interpreters, often Employment Service staff in the offices. In addition, light writers, typetalk and hearing loops are available and are used if the client requests them.
If there is a barrier, the Employment Service will first identify it and then take appropriate action to overcome it. Once in a job help for clients under the Access to Work initiative is available.