On-screen sign language scheme launched at council

A video interpreter will use British Sign Language to help residents access services

Deaf and hard of hearing residents in Medway will soon have access to a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter when contacting the council.

Anyone using a smartphone , tablet, laptop or PC for a council service will get a pop-up BSL interpreter at the click of a button from 19 September.

It can be accessed through Medway council’s website or on the InterpretersLive! app or website.

Teresa Murray, the council's deputy leader, said the new system was "a great addition to our council services, and another great step in improving customer experience for those engaging with the council".

Demonstrations will be available at two sessions on the launch date, at 14:00 BST at Chatham Library and Community Hub, Dock Road, Chatham, and 18:30 at Medway Deaf Club, at Palm Cottage, Canterbury Street, Gillingham.

Ms Murray added: "We already offer drop-in sessions with BSL interpreters and text relay services for residents who are deaf or hard of hearing, but communication can still be difficult for those who use BSL as their first language.

"This will greatly improve our ability to help them, and I would urge anyone interested to head along to the drop-in sessions to learn more about it.”