DLA Medical & sign language.

Hi all.

I have a medical due to take place in my home next week, due to my submitting an appeal on being turned down for higher rate mobility.

I have received two letters from ATOS, none of which have a contact address, only phone numbers - and I can't use the phone.

I mainly use deafblind manual (a sign language) to communicate, but this seems to elude all official services (including 'helpful' ones) who see fit to shout to be heard by me instead (very painful). I've no way of getting in contact with ATOS to request a deafblind manual interpreter, due to their daft phone-only contact policy.

I'll have a friend with me who can interpret, but I always find that people ignore this and yell anyway. I don't want to make a pain in the 'arris of myself (suspect that's not a good idea with ATOS anyway!), but I would like to use the method of communication that's easiest for me. Am I within my rights to ask that the 'medical' is carried out using signing?

Thank you for your help. Very scared here.

You could try and send an email to Atos at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. in the first instance?

Hi,
I am deaf and have in the past had the medical for IB with a sign language interpreter with me. Atos are legally obliged to provide one for you, if you request this.

just a thought, but what about textphone?

For customers with hearing or speech impairments, Atos Healthcare can be contacted via textphone on 18001 0800 2888 777

another thought, could your interpreter friend phone for you?

Re your rights, i think you are allowed to ask for 'reasonable adjustment' to be made by ATOS regarding having an interpreter.

Hi, the RNID offer a Communication Support Service. the textphone number is;

0845 685 8001

Best Wishes,
Rachel

Hello why they shout for? did you have hearing aid on by any chance ?

I would need speech to text reporter and very large letters on screen, I acquired deaf, so i know very little of sign language at all, as for lip reading thats a yuk lol.

A couple years ago i had call from job centre plus, my wife took call, they wanted to see me, no problem at all, until my wife asked for speech to text reporter, the reply was.

" sorry we dont do that, leave it til another time" Im still waitingg another time lol.