The UK’s East Midlands Airport (EMA) has teamed up with the online interpreting service SignLive to provide deaf customers with interpretation in British Sign Language (BSL) when using and contacting the airport.
The new service enables customers who want to communicate in BSL to connect via video with a certified interpreter who can provide two-way translation between the customer and an airport team member
The service is available on to the SignLive app on iOS, Android, or a web browser, by finding East Midlands Airport in the app community directory.
According to UK census 2021 data, areas near East Midlands Airport have the highest percentage of people with BSL as their main language across England and Wales.
“The introduction of SignLive is one of EMA’s many initiatives to become a more accessible airport for everyone. In December, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) rated the quality of its assisted travel provision as “very good”. This came after being voted Europe’s top-performing airport at The Ozion Accessibility Awards, which celebrated airports that have made a significant investment in the services they provide to passengers who need assistance,” the airport announced.
“We want all passengers to enjoy their experience of travelling through EMA, and no one should ever feel excluded from accessing any of our services or facilities. We’re delighted to announce the introduction of the SignLive app, which will help our deaf passengers and is another illustration of our commitment to removing all barriers to travel,” said Mike Grimes, director of customer services and security.