The evolution of technology worn by Learners, Teachers and Visitors continues, as do understandings about what hearing augmentation is.
The Victorian School Building Authority’s new rules in the Building Quality Standards Handbook of May 2022 are clear in helping us all understand that every learning space needs permanent infrastructure to achieve compliance. A portable solution is not enough.
“… hearing augmentation systems require permanent cabling between amplification systems and devoted on-wall interfaces for transmitters (to personal hearing devices or receivers) to be safely mounted and connected”
“Hearing augmentation interfaces must be appropriately labelled and mounted at an accessible height for use by hard of hearing/deaf users of the space”
“Permanent cabling for devoted on-wall interfaces must terminate to practical locations for effective operation and be free from trip risk (i.e. have no unsecured cables to power supplies or general power outlets)”
This means that in every learning space, cabling must run between a PA speaker and Screen, and any other permanent devices with a speaker, to something that transforms and balances this audio, to allow any type of transmitter to be connected to allow transmission to hearing devices.
These transmitters need to be able to be stored safely and free of ligature risk.
Hear and Learn’s UConnect SoundHouse and Mini solutions are built in Australia so achieve the outcomes the VSBA rules require.