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11 October 2024
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Cape Town unlocked emergency services access for deaf and hard-of-hearing persons
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The City of Cape Town and DeafSA launched a new service for the Deaf community and Hard-of-Hearing residents, giving them direct access to the City’s Public Emergency Communications Centre (PECC), via a feature on the City’s App. “It is with great pride that I announce the launch of this new functionality on the City’s mobile app. This feature, designed specifically for deaf and hard-of-hearing residents, allows them to request emergency assistance in life-threatening situations quickly and easily, without the need for a voice call. This new functionality allows users to register their details in advance and, in the event of an emergency, send a distress signal with just a few taps. The system automatically pinpoints the resident’s location, helping emergency responders reach them quickly,” said Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.
The launch was the culmination of a commitment to find a mechanism to allow deaf or hard-of-hearing persons to report an emergency.
Confirmation of the matter being reported will be sent via SMS, which also allows for any follow up questions the emergency services might have. If need be, the PECC can also call the complainant’s emergency contact.
“This project represents more than just a technical solution; it reflects our city’s values, including a belief in human dignity, in equal access to essential services, and in the importance of ensuring the same high standards for all communities, especially those who have been historically marginalised,” added Mayor Hill-Lewis.
“We have been advocating for many years for this very exciting development. And, while it is critical to pause and savour this moment, this is just the pilot phase. Over time, we hope to further expand the offering to include voice, text and video functionality, in line with the ever-changing world and technology at our disposal,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
South Africa is home to more than four million persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.
“This development is a massive step forward in ensuring universal access for the deaf community to a potentially life-saving service. 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,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.
The way forward
DeafSA was represented at the event by its Western Cape Chairperson, Jean Claude Smit and Provincial Director, Jabaar Mohamed. The organisation will lead public education efforts over the coming months, to ensure that as many people register for the service.
Photo 1: DeafSA’s Jabaar Mohamed and Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis
Photo 2: MAYCO member, Cllr. Patricia Van der Ross, Professor Charles Rivas Plata, Marlene Le Roux, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, Jabaar Mohamed, Ian Durant and Andre Truter
Photo 3: Alderman JP Smith and Ian Durant
Source: Media Office, City of Cape Town
The launch was the culmination of a commitment to find a mechanism to allow deaf or hard-of-hearing persons to report an emergency.
Confirmation of the matter being reported will be sent via SMS, which also allows for any follow up questions the emergency services might have. If need be, the PECC can also call the complainant’s emergency contact.
“This project represents more than just a technical solution; it reflects our city’s values, including a belief in human dignity, in equal access to essential services, and in the importance of ensuring the same high standards for all communities, especially those who have been historically marginalised,” added Mayor Hill-Lewis.
“We have been advocating for many years for this very exciting development. And, while it is critical to pause and savour this moment, this is just the pilot phase. Over time, we hope to further expand the offering to include voice, text and video functionality, in line with the ever-changing world and technology at our disposal,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
South Africa is home to more than four million persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.
“This development is a massive step forward in ensuring universal access for the deaf community to a potentially life-saving service. 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,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.
The way forward
DeafSA was represented at the event by its Western Cape Chairperson, Jean Claude Smit and Provincial Director, Jabaar Mohamed. The organisation will lead public education efforts over the coming months, to ensure that as many people register for the service.
Photo 1: DeafSA’s Jabaar Mohamed and Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis
Photo 2: MAYCO member, Cllr. Patricia Van der Ross, Professor Charles Rivas Plata, Marlene Le Roux, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, Jabaar Mohamed, Ian Durant and Andre Truter
Photo 3: Alderman JP Smith and Ian Durant
Source: Media Office, City of Cape Town