Emergency Text Message Service now on trial
14th September sees the launch ofÌýa new service that allows Deaf/Hard of Hearing people to contact emergency services via text message on their mobile phone.
From that date you'll be able to register your telephone and take part in the trial - this could be one of the most important technological developments for deaf people so far, and it's been a long time in coming!
We're keeping an eye on this scheme ourselves - if you've registered please do let us know whether you're interested in informing us of your progress!
You can register here from 14th September onwards:
Comment number 1.
At 12th Sep 2009, MM wrote:I already have this system, our area set up one up over a year ago. As I understand it, Kent did it years before that ? I also blogged it recently. The problem emerging is the reluctance of deaf to register with the police so far. Hate crime against one deaf woman here could have been lessened had she took up the option when the police came to our club to launch the system, she didn't take up that option, she could have texted the police and they would have addressed the issues she faced, deaf need to take more interest in what is going on, and not do as she did and completely rely on a 10yr old daughter or her mother who didn't live near enough. Deaf say hearing do not have to do this (register),to call 999 so why do they have to ? We were told the reason is to prevent fraud and abuse by hearing people, if the number goes public !
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