Brussels, Belgium – Belgium’s Interior Minister Bernard Quintin has announced the development of an artificial intelligence (AI) feature within the country’s emergency services app, 112 BE, aimed at enhancing accessibility for deaf and hearing-impaired individuals.
The initiative will integrate a virtual sign language interpreter into the app, ensuring seamless communication between emergency service personnel and those in need.
“The app has been around for a while, but it is not easy to also allow deaf and hard of hearing people to use it,” Quintin stated.
“But, of course, they can be in need and may require an ambulance or police officer as well. That is why it is important that everyone can use the app properly, including deaf or hard of hearing people.”
The AI-powered system will enable real-time translation of emergency centre employees‘ questions and instructions into sign language, which will be displayed on the caller’s screen.
This breakthrough technology will bridge the communication gap for individuals with hearing impairments and those with speech disorders, providing them with equal access to emergency assistance.
A Step Towards Inclusive Emergency Services
Currently, the 112 BE app, launched in 2017, allows users to request help from an ambulance, fire brigade, or police services.
One of its key features is the automatic sharing of the caller’s location, enabling emergency responders to reach those in distress more efficiently.
While the app already includes an option for users to indicate their inability to make phone calls, the new AI upgrade will significantly enhance its usability for the deaf and hard of hearing.
The introduction of this AI-driven sign language feature marks a significant step towards inclusivity within Belgium’s emergency response infrastructure.
The Interior Affairs Ministry is actively working on the application’s development, though an official launch date has yet to be confirmed.
Raising Awareness and Expanding Access
In addition to the technological advancement, Minister Quintin is spearheading a broad communication campaign to raise awareness of the 112 BE app and its capabilities for the deaf and hard of hearing community.
This campaign will be rolled out in schools and in partnership with organisations that support individuals with hearing impairments.
By promoting the app’s accessibility features, the government aims to ensure that all citizens, regardless of their abilities, can confidently access emergency services when needed.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe and have the means to communicate in critical situations,” Quintin emphasised.
A Model for Other Nations?
Belgium’s initiative could serve as a model for other countries looking to enhance accessibility in their emergency response systems.
The integration of AI technology into public service applications demonstrates the potential for innovation to address long-standing accessibility challenges.
As the Ministry of Interior Affairs continues to develop and refine the new feature, advocates for the deaf and hard of hearing community have expressed optimism about the positive impact it will have.
“This is a game-changer for us,” said one representative from a local hearing-impaired support organisation. “For the first time, we will be able to communicate directly and clearly with emergency responders without barriers.”
With this AI-powered feature on the horizon, Belgium is taking a significant leap forward in ensuring that emergency services are truly accessible to all.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
