'Sign language 999 BSL service launched for deaf people'

Tori_Scope

A new service has launched to allow people to make 999 calls using British Sign Language (BSL) for the first time.

The new service, 999 BSL, will allow deaf people to make emergency calls using an app or website, connecting callers with a BSL interpreter.

It is free to use and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

People who use the service will be put through to a BSL interpreter, who will then relay the conversation to a 999 operator.

BBC News

The 999 BSL website has information on how to use the service, and answers some frequently asked questions. Here are their 3 easy steps on how to make a call:

1. Open 999 BSL app

2. Press red button to call

3. Connect to a BSL interpreter

SignVideo have also put together a handy video to guide you when downloading the app, which you can view on their Twitter account:

Russell is here to guide you step by step when you download the app so that you can understand what the permissions are for.

We encourage you to do this now so, that in a real emergency, you will be connected to an interpreter within seconds. #999BSL pic.twitter.com/D3TzCOnrnj

— SignVideo (@SignVideo) June 18, 2022

Over to you...

Have you tried using the new service? 

Have you ever faced accessibility issues when trying to ring 999?

Tori_Scope

Indeed @Biblioklept. I believe 111 has a BSL service (SignVideo), but 999 didn't previously. There's a text service, but I read that you have to register for that to use it.