Cape Town - In a step towards inclusivity, the City of Cape Town, in collaboration with DeafSA, has introduced an innovative service designed to improve safety for deaf and hard-of-hearing residents.
The pilot project on the City’s app, allows these residents to connect directly with the City’s Public Emergency Communications Centre.
The initiative goes beyond just a technological enhancement; it represents a crucial advancement in providing equal opportunities for everyone to respond during emergencies.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said the feature, tailored specifically for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, enables them to quickly and easily request emergency help in critical situations without needing to make a voice call.
He said users can pre-register their information, allowing them to send a distress signal with just a few taps.
“The system automatically pinpoints the resident’s location, helping emergency responders reach them quickly,” Hill-Lewis said.
Historically, deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals have faced significant hurdles when reporting emergencies.
Conventional methods often rely on auditory communication, which can be a barrier.
This solution empowers users to report incidents directly through their smartphones.
Hill-Lewis described the initiative as not merely a technical fix but a true reflection of the City’s commitment to inclusivity.
Once an emergency is reported via the app, the emergency centre acknowledges the request by sending a confirmation SMS.
This facilitates essential communication without the need for spoken interaction.
If more information is needed, emergency services can follow up through text, making it easier for users to provide further details about their situation.
However, if necessary, the emergency centre can contact the complainant’s emergency contact, ensuring that help is on the way.
DeafSA’s provincial director for the Western Cape, Jabaar Cassiem Mohamed, said the app is designed not only for the deaf but also for individuals who are unable to speak or hear.
“Deaf SA feels that we have achieved one of our strategic objectives for accessibility and this is in terms of emergency service,” Mohamed said.
“My vision is that we need more access to other public services as well as job creation within those departments.”
Mayco member for community services and health, Patricia van der Ross, said the initiative represents a significant advancement in providing universal access to a potentially life-saving service for the deaf community.
“I want to encourage deaf and hard-of-hearing persons to download the app and register their details for easy access in the event of an emergency,” she urged.
Meanwhile, DeafSA plans to spearhead public education campaigns in the upcoming months to maximise registration for the vital service.
Cape Argus