February 21, 2003
Police launch text-messaging service for deaf
West Midlands Police of Breat Britain launched a mobile phone text-messaging service for the deaf in July 2002.
The service allows deaf people, those who are hearing or speech impaired, to contact officers through a special number in case of emergency.
According to an article in Ananova, a survey carried out in conjunction with Birmingham Institute of the Deaf has shown that 98% of hearing-impaired people used text-messaging and 85% would like to use it to communicate with police. It makes perfect sense.
Other countries have similar services. Belgium offers deaf automobile drivers emergency assistance by SMS, and though not an emergency service, but a nice gesture, recognizing texting as a vital communication tool, French operator Orange with «Motamo», offers special SMS rates for the deaf and hearing impaired.
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