Many hotel owners and operators are unable to ensure the equal access to safety for all people whilst on their premises. One in seven of the population is Deaf or hard of hearing and many experience hearing loss at frequencies specifically used for fire alarm warnings. This poses a potential risk of being unable to inform Deaf or hard of hearing guests, visitors or members of staff of emergency situations, especially a fire. This barrier can be overcome and has been achieved by the Four Pillars Hotel in Abingdon.

Mike Stevens, Executive Director of the Four Pillars Hotel Group said: "We too had serious concerns, as I know many other hotels will have. We conducted a lot of research to find the most suitable, cost-effective solution, which also met all current legislation and standards. We found this to be the Deaf Alerter® system; it met our entire requirement and more."

Deaf Alerter plc provide a radio-based warning system, which comprises a radio transmitter integrated with the fire panel and a vibrating portable receiver called an Alerter, worn by the user during the day. For overnight guests a portable bedroom kit called a Night Cradle is loaned. This can be located in any room, placing no restriction on the guest. Hotels which only permit Deaf people to occupy a specially allocated disabled room could be seen to discriminate by restricting equal access.

Mike continued: "Deaf Alerter is just one of the many commitments by Four Pillars Hotels to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) that came into full force in October 2004, but it's not just about complying with laws; it's also about creating the safest environment possible for all our guests, so that the experience they receive is second to none."

Deaf Alerter's Managing Director, Steve Haseldine said: "As the market leader in the provision of fire safety for Deaf people, we work on many large projects; Four Pillars Hotels demonstrates the highest possible commitment to all guests and employees' well-being, including those with disabilities. We hope the introduction of Deaf Alerter will encourage Deaf and hard of hearing people to stay at the hotel, knowing the hotel considers their safety as paramount."

Many hotels committed to best practice have already installed a Deaf Alerter system for the protection of their Deaf and hard of hearing, guests and visitors.