SMS and video call service of “112” Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs will be available all across Georgia in round-the-clock regime. Service is free of charge and aimed only for deaf and hearing impaired citizens.
“The new service will significantly change lives of deaf and hearing impaired persons, promote their independence and integration into society. It is notable that similar complex service –SMS and video call, is available only in three European states: Czech Republic, France and Malta”-stated Head of “112” Department, Giorgi Bitchashvili at the presentation.
The event was attended by more than 100 guests including representatives of the Georgian government, civil society, international organizations and beneficiaries of the new service.
New service of “112” for deaf and hearing impaired persons is in line with European Union standards and responds directly to the priorities of the Georgian government and recommendations of the Public Defender”-stated Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Archil Talakvadze.
Within the frames of the event information of the newly initiated service was presented, including videos and informative booklets, which will be disseminated in March and April all across the country. During presentation deaf and hearing impaired persons had the opportunity to be registered in “112” database and test the service themselves.
“The United Nations is delighted to support deaf and hearing impaired persons and working with them. What we did is the best what we could have done, we always measure degree of human rights in the society by the way it deals with persons with disabilities and treat each other with respect”-stated Niel Scott ambassador of the United Nations in Georgia.
Initiative of “112” is being implemented with the support of UNDP and Swiss government. In the elaboration process of the service “Deafs’ Union of Georgia” was actively involved. Ambassadors of the United Nations and Sweden were also actively involved in informative campaign, by means of which information on the new service was disseminated by the TV companies and social media.
“I hope that similar initiatives will be implemented by other ministries and public space will be soon equally open and available for everyone”-stated ambassador of Sweden Martina Quick while filming informative video.
SMS and video call of “112” department is aimed for deaf and hearing impaired persons only. Pre-registration is required to use the service. Registration form is available on “112” official website www.112.ge. Deaf and hearing impaired persons are able to make emergency video calls or send SMS to the emergency service on their own. Information regarding the emergency situation will be forwarded to ambulance, patrol police and firefighting crews. Calls and incoming messages from deaf and hearing impaired persons will be received by specially-trained operators sign language knowledge.
