12PAP is the Hearing Association's plan to address the needs and
concerns of those with a hearing loss.
 Download the 12PAP brochure here.
OVerview
In March 2003, the Hearing Association adopted a 12-point
action plan to improve services and facilities for the hearing-impaired,
and to raise the profile of the association which is the
premier organisation representing people with this disability.
Hearing
loss is invisible, and the requirements of people with
the disability are often ignored by service providers ranging from
government departments, to transport companies, accommodation providers,
and television companies, right through to the local supermarket.
According to the last census, 223,500 recorded they suffered
a hearing disability, including deafness. However, a report
by K Anne Greville PhD published in October 2001, records
400,000 New Zealanders suffer hearing loss ranging from mild
to complete deafness, with 390,000 suffering hearing loss.
Of that figure, 250,000 have a hearing loss that qualifies
as a disability. At 10% of the population, hearing loss is
probably the single-biggest disability group in New Zealand.
While there are many issues affecting those with hearing
loss, the association has focused on the following 12-points
for attention. We regard these issues as our right, rather
than as some favour to be granted by the organisation concerned,
and will work to achieve all points.
contents
1. Television Subtitles
Subtitled television programmes
are available on only the three main public channels – TV
One, TV2 and TV3 – funded
by public money through NZ On Air. We want this extended
to all television channels, notably sky TV, and Prime.
If necessary, we will seek legislation to ensure this happens.
This is especially important for the elderly with limited
discretionary income, for whom television is a major source
of entertainment.
2. Audio Loops
Despite legislation requiring that buildings
such as theatres and meeting halls have assistive listening
systems (primarily audio loops), the bulk of theatres and
public buildings do not have them, or where they ARE installed,
they often do not work. The law must be enforced. Assistive
listening systems allow those appropriate hearing aids
to receive enhanced sound through their aids. Audio loops
are even available for specific areas like a reception desk
or bank teller position.
3. Dedicated Facilities for hearing impaired
Companies and
organisations that do business in public must provide facilities
where those with hearing loss can retain their privacy
and dignity. The nature of hearing loss means those doing
business with them will often have to speak more loudly,
but in places like banks and hospital clinics, this can mean
others can hear what is being said. A private room, or an
area that provides some privacy is required. This is as much
a right for the hearing-impaired, as ramps are for the physically
disabled.
4. Advertising Contact Numbers
Advertising in newspapers,
on billboards etc, provides a phone number for you to contact,
but by and large do not provide either a fax number or e-mail
address. This prevents those who can’t hear on the
telephone, from taking advantage of the information being
advertised. Contact addresses such as fax numbers or email
addresses should be included in all advertising as a matter
of course.
5. Hearing Aid Funding
Government subsidies for hearing
aids are
$198 each – while the cost of standard aids usually
starts at about $600, and can rise to several thousand dollars.
While those in work or education can qualify for other subsidies,
the elderly in particular – those with the most limited
incomes – are not generally ineligible for any help.
The ability of these people to make the most of their hearing,
and to get the most out of life is being compromised.
6. Audiologist Funding
Audiologist, can be described as
the “hearing” specialists,
but those working in hospital clinics are often overworked,
and the fees of those in private practice can be expensive
and a barrier to those seeking their services. We want audiologist
fees subsidised in a standard fashion nation-wide.
7. Medical Insurance
Medical insurance policies generally
cover only the cost of audiograms and little else, yet
hearing loss is one of the largest disabilities in New Zealand.
Medical insurance companies must be encouraged to provide
policies offering a wider range of service for those who
are prepared to pay for them.
8. ACC Bulk Funding
Bulk funding for hearing loss caused
by accident bears no resemblance to hearing’s place
as the second-most important human sense after eyesight.
While the total loss of eyesight warrants a payment of about
$110,000, total loss of hearing merits a payment of about
only a third of that. Payments for partial loss of both senses
are equally out of proportion. Compensation must be more
adequate and realistic.
9. Noise Levels
Noise levels public places – especially
clubs and bars – has
been described as “toxic”, and yet nothing has
been done to curb this danger to the public, especially the
younger generation who run the risk of future hearing problems
as a result. Those who work in such venues are even more
at risk. Noise levels should be treated as the same threat
to health as smoking is.
10. Public Awareness
Because hearing loss is invisible,
and because of the stigma it often carries, the average
New Zealander often does not realise that by and large there
is no cure for hearing loss or damage. They therefore do
not protect their hearing as they should. By the same token
of public ignorance, people who generally know how to help
someone in a wheelchair or visual disability, do not know
how to help those with hearing loss. This is a public health
issue, and a public campaign must be instituted.
11. Travel
Traveling on public transport, especially long-distance
travel, is often stressful and sometimes dangerous
for those with hearing disabilities. They generally have
no way of accessing or understanding public address announcements,
and can be denied information with safety implications
as well as such basic information as flight changes,
departure changes, and so-on. The death of an American
tourist at Kaikoura railway station in March 2003 highlights
this danger. All public address information must be presented
in visual form, preferably by display screens. As
a minimum, all transport companies must be required to identify
passengers with disabilities, and ten cater for their
needs. The most suitable way of doing this is through the
booking process.
12. Accommodation
People with hearing disabilities staying
at hotels, motels and other such accommodation, often have
no way of knowing fare alarms have been activated, and
they face the same privacy issues at check-in and check-out
as they do in banks, hospitals, etc. Televisions in hotels
and motels usually are not equipped with Teletext, denying
guests the option of enjoying this basic service. The accommodation
industry must acknowledge the needs of the hearing-impaired
and cater for them.
Our commitment
The Hearing Association is committed to achieving each
of these goals, and will work with all relevant organisations,
companies, and government departments to do so.
Chris Peters
Public Affairs Manager
31 January 2004
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