New video calling service for deaf residents

British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters will help residents with the video calls

Residents in Wolverhampton who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a new video service when communicating with the council, the authority said.

British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters will be able to "facilitate real-time conversations" between residents and council staff using three-way video calls.

Users can also scan QR codes with their smartphone in council buildings which will connect them to a BSL interpreter.

"By removing communication barriers, this partnership will ensure that... BSL users have a simple and effective way to get the support they need," councillor Jeszemma Howl, cabinet member for governance and digital, said

The council said the partnership with SignLive, soon to be called Convo, meant residents used a free app to make the calls.

"This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that all our residents can engage with services confidently and independently," Howl added.

"We recognise that accessing services can be particularly challenging for residents who use BSL as their first language."

Convo QR codes are available across several locations, including the Civic Centre, Strengthening Family Hubs, WV Active sites, Wolverhampton Art Gallery and Wolverhampton Archives, the council said.