Do you speak sign language?
I don't have sign language yet, but I hope to be able to speak it soon.
Sign language is a language that allows people who are deaf to communicate with people who are not deaf.
Sign language interpreters serve as a bridge between signers and speakers of spoken languages.
Let's take a look at the services related to sign language and sign language interpreters!
The general content of sign language is explained in "Sign language is the language of the deaf".
Please refer to it.
Indispensable for Deaf People
One situation in which sign language services become particularly important is when a deaf person comes to a store or other location where it is difficult to speak and the same services as usual cannot be provided.
This is a situation where the environment must be prepared in advance from the perspective of the Law for the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities.
Of course, it is possible to communicate with a deaf person by other means besides sign language, such as written communication.
However, there are cases in which the other party prefers a sign language interpreter to a written interpreter.
In such cases, it is difficult to arrange for a sign language interpreter.
In such a situation, just knowing such a service can help you deal with the situation much smarter.
Currently, it is an obligation for businesses to make an effort to provide services to people with disabilities, but local governments have made it an obligation, so it should be provided as soon as possible.
Services using sign language
Some services using sign language are for sign language speakers, while others should be used by the hearing side.
Let's take a look at some of these services.
ShuR
ShuR is a service that provides remote sign language interpretation.
Sign language interpreters can be requested anytime, anywhere via video call from a tablet or other device.
The service also provides customer service at train stations and ticket counters, and is a service that businesses should definitely consider implementing.
Please refer to "What is ShuR? Japanese remote sign language interpretation service" about ShuR.
Please refer to it.
Telephone Relay Service
The telephone relay service connects the caller to a sign language interpreter operator, who then calls the hearing person and makes the call with sign language interpretation.
The Telephone Relay Service can be used free of charge if you register in advance.
This would be a service mainly for people with hearing loss to register and use.
"What is the Telephone Relay Service? A service that allows people in Japan who cannot hear to make phone calls to people who can hear" explains about the telephone relay service in Japan.
Please refer to it.
Sign Language Phone
A sign language phone is a public telephone that allows users to make calls using sign language.
Unlike regular pay phones, it is free to use.
Sign language phones use a telephone relay service, but there is no need to register in advance to make a call from a sign language phone.
I would like to see this one installed in various places such as government offices and public transportation facilities.
Please refer to "What is a sign language phone? Free public phones in Japan that can be used to talk in sign language." for more information about sign language phones.
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