From next year, British Sign Language users will be able to contact the emergency services using video relay, under new rules announced by Ofcom.
Currently, deaf or hard of hearing people can use the approved text-relay service where they can type and receive text responses via a third party who speaks to the emergency call handler. It is also possible to register to contact 999 via text message if you need to.
However, following a consultation with the deaf community, Ofcom is asking all telecoms providers to put in place a BSL video relay service, similar to Contact Scotland which you can use to contact Forth Valley Sensory Centre. This is because written English can be difficult for people whose first language is BSL. In an emergency situation there is no margin for error and video calls, made through a qualified interpreter, will remove that risk.
You can read more about the announcement on the Ofcom website here.
There is a BSL Video explaining the move below too:
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