HM Coastguard
Did you know that – from today – if you are deaf and need HM Coastguard’s help, you can now call 999 Coastguard on the new website or app and sign for us.
How amazing is that?
“It’s every bit as important as the launch of the 999 service more than 80 years ago, we are so proud to be a part of the UK’s first ever Emergency Video Relay Service for deaf British Sign Language users.”
Cheryl Clifford, Staff officer (technical services), has worked hard to ensure that HM Coastguard call operators are ready for our first call using the new free service from Sign Language Interactions, which will connect callers to online British Sign Language interpreters, who will then relay the conversation to us – the emergency authorities.
We have been working hard on ways to ensure accessibility for all and we are delighted to be a part of this.
Every second counts in an emergency and so a faster and more direct service for BSL users will save lives.
In Cheryl’s words, “it’s amazing.”
We absolutely agree.
Find out more and, if you are a BSL user, download it: https://999bsl.co.uk/
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