A leading charity has called for urgent action to remove barriers faced by people in Wales who are deaf or have hearing loss, as it launches its manifesto for the 2026 Senedd election.

RNID, which supports around 850,000 people in Wales living with hearing loss or tinnitus, has published Loud and Clear Cymru, outlining the measures it says the next Welsh Government must take to improve access to healthcare, employment, and public services.

The charity warns that deaf people continue to face challenges in everyday life, from visiting GPs to applying for jobs. With hearing loss expected to rise alongside an ageing population, RNID says systemic change is needed to ensure equal access.

Polly Winn, External Affairs Manager for Wales at RNID, said: “The needs and rights of hundreds and thousands of people in Wales are being ignored and people are being forced to face unnecessary and preventable challenges. In healthcare, deaf people still struggle to access NHS services due to poor communication support, leaving them in the dark about their own health. In work, deaf people and people with hearing loss are less likely to be employed or face poor attitudes and understanding from colleagues and managers.”

She added: “Our manifesto sets out a clear vision for a future where deaf people and people with hearing loss are fully included, treated with respect, dignity and understanding and have the same life-chances as everyone else. We urge all parties contesting the upcoming election to act on its recommendations.”

RNID’s manifesto calls for six key actions, including modernising audiology services, creating a Disability Information Hub for employers, and fully implementing the All-Wales Standard for healthcare access

The launch follows the passing of the British Sign Language (Wales) Bill, which will improve support for BSL users and public service access.