We are among those who believe in the right to efficient communication, regardless of one's physical condition. Struggling to communicate can be such a frustrating and isolating experience, more so for people who are speech impaired, hard of hearing, or deaf. For these individuals, Relay UK calls have been a beacon of hope. However, not all businesses accept these service calls, creating inequality and exclusion. We urge the UK government to ensure equality and inclusion for this marginalized section, by making it a legal requirement for all businesses to accept Relay UK service calls, hence implementing the Equality Act 2010 more thoroughly.

In the UK, there are roughly 12 million individuals with hearing loss, and about 900,000 who are severely or profoundly deaf (Action on Hearing Loss, 2015). The issues faced by these people could be alleviated by simply modifying business communication norms. A Relay UK call, a system where an operator types what is verbalized so the receiver can read their message, opens a vital line of communication for individuals with hearing limitations. However, its effectiveness is limited when businesses refuse these calls.

This petition specifically advocates for the Rights of Access goods, facilities, services, and premises in the Equality Act 2010, which currently does not explicitly include Relay UK calls. By ensuring this change, we can help create an inclusive society where everyone can effectively communicate, regardless of their physical condition. Sign this petition now to urge the UK government to mandate businesses to accept Relay UK service calls. Let us make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by hearing issues.