South East Water has introduced a new British Sign Language (BSL) video interpretation service, giving deaf and hard-of-hearing customers improved access to its customer support team.
The new service, delivered in partnership with SignVideo by Sorenson, connects customers with a qualified BSL interpreter who facilitates real-time communication with South East Water’s customer service team. Accessible via the company’s Get in Touch and Priority Services webpages, the platform enables seamless, barrier-free communication without the need for specialist equipment.
Free to use during normal call centre hours, the SignVideo system allows customers to access essential information and services in their preferred language, promoting inclusion and equality for people who use BSL as their main means of communication.
Tanya Sephton, Customer Services Director at South East Water, said: “Over 18 million adults in the UK are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus, which equates to one in three adults in the UK.
“People for whom sign language is their first, preferred or only language have diverse literacy levels, and it is estimated that British Sign Language is the preferred language of 87,000 deaf people in the UK.
“Everyone should be able to access our services without barriers. SignVideo is the perfect partner to help us become a more inclusive and accessible organisation and ensure that our deaf and hard-of-hearing customers can now easily access the exact same information as other customers.”
Matthew King, General Manager, SignVideo by Sorenson, added: “We are delighted to partner with South East Water and support its commitment to equal access for British Sign Language users. Through this investment, South East Water demonstrates its dedication to removing barriers for the deaf community and ensuring excellent customer service levels for all.”
More information about the new accessibility service can be found at southeastwater.co.uk/sign-video.
