Glasgow City Council has launched an online booking service for
sign language interpreters in a bid to promote social inclusion and
empower deaf people. The council believes this is the first service
of its kind in Europe, writes Karl Cushing.
The online sign language interpreting service Web site gives deaf
people the chance to book interpreting services independently, on a
24x7 basis, without having to go through a hearing person. The
council benefits from reduced costs of administering the service.
There is also a fax and telephone booking service that is available
during office hours.
Users can gain access to information on the availability of sign
language interpreting services in and around Glasgow. The Web site
includes frequently asked questions, advice on how to become a sign
language interpreter and a feedback service. It also has links to
other organisations working in the field of deafness, such as Deaf
Blind Scotland, Deaf Connections and the Royal National Institute
for the Deaf.
The project manager Crawford Blunden explains that the project has
three streams. The Web site itself is the first stream. The second
is the ability to book interpreters online and the third is the
ability for users to register on a central database, including
details of any special needs or preferences they may have - for a
male or female interpreter, for example. This should also provide
greater support to health and police sectors where deaf people need
interpreting services, especially in emergency situations.
The creation of the database of users' needs, for which deaf people
are encouraged to register as early as possible, is a key enabler
for the project. Blunden says that the database will help the
service to predict users' needs in the future. By quoting an
identity number users will not have to give all their details every
time they use the service. This is very useful as a lot of the
users have very distinct needs, says Blunden.
The council is currently working with local firm Digital Animations
Group to develop an onscreen avatar for the Web site. This will use
sign language to help guide users through the options and services
available. There are also plans to launch a network of Internet
kiosks in public places next year. The adoption of
videoconferencing technology will broaden the scope of the project
yet further.
Blunden explains that the council aims to transform the Web site
into a sort of community portal for the deaf community, making it a
valuable source of news and upcoming events. He hopes the project
will be promoted further afield as best practice.
The project has been funded by the Scottish Executive and Glasgow
City Council and has been designed by IT services firm Sx3, which
has been working in partnership with the council.