Hartlepool’s first for SignVideo service
Hartlepool Borough Council has taken an important step forward in making its services as accessible as possible to members of the deaf community.
Hartlepool is the first local authority in the North-East to invest in the state-of-the-art ‘SignVideo' system. SignVideo uses a live television link to a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter to help deaf residents and council staff communicate. The new system has been installed in Hartlepool Connect at the Civic Centre on Victoria Road.
The service overcomes the cost and time delays that currently prevent sign language users from dealing with simple issues - such as applying for a resident's parking permit, meeting a benefits adviser or making an appointment with a social worker - while at the same time guaranteeing a high-quality interpreter.
Julie Howard, Hartlepool Connect manager, said: "We are absolutely committed to making our services as accessible as possible for everyone and we are very proud to be the first council in the North-East to provide the SignVideo service.
"Although several members of the Hartlepool Connect staff are trained in basic sign language skills, when we have received more detailed enquiries from deaf people in the past we have had to arrange for a BSL interpreter to come to the Civic Centre, which can mean up to a two week wait.
"Thanks to the easy-to-use SignVideo system we now have immediate access to a highly qualified BSL interpreter, which is excellent news for members of the deaf community and Hartlepool Borough Council staff alike."
Two of the first people to try out the new system were local residents Susan Dove and Eric Muspratt.
"I think it's a brilliant system," said Eric. "I have seen videophones in the past but they have clearly changed so much - the system is excellent and it's really clear."
Susan added: "This is a very good service - well done to the council for installing it."
For more information
You will find SignVideo at Hartlepool Connect, in reception at the Civic Centre on Victoria Road.
For more information about the new SignVideo system, please contact Kim Shotton, Hartlepool Connect customer service team leader, on 01429 284416.
Address
Hartlepool Civic Centre
Victoria Road,
Hartlepool,
TS24 8AY
Lat/Lon: 54.68539308775787, -1.214611530303955