Shanghai hotline launches sign language services

Shanghai public service hotline 12345 started providing sign language video services on May 13, the first of its kind in China, for people with hearing and speech impairment to submit suggestions, complaints and make inquiries via mobile phones and computers.

The sign language hotline operators will communicate with hearing-impaired people through a camera and display device installed on a working desk. When there is a need to follow up on a query, operators will communicate with the person through text messages.

This new service is available from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 11:30 am, and from 1:30 pm to 4 pm.

It is estimated that there are about 200,000 people in Shanghai with hearing or speech impairment. Professional sign language hotline operators are trained to provide both dialectical and mandarin sign language for them.

"As an international metropolis, Shanghai should provide more services for the convenience of residents," said Wang Jianhua, deputy chief of the hotline, adding that more hotline operators will be recruited in the future to improve the sign language video services.

May 13 marked the first day of the Week for Shanghai's People with Disabilities.

Tang Xiaofan in Shanghai contributed to this story.