24 September 2020

Polish police implements deaf-friendly communication system thanks to cooperation with NTT

The new videoconferencing system allows disabled people to ask for help, give statements or explanations remotely. Warsaw, Poland – 24 September 2020  – NTT Ltd., a world-leading global technology services provider today announced it has implemented in Poland a system for sign language speakers, so that they easily communicate with police officers. The videoconferencing system, which is part of the recently completed project of modernization of key communication systems in the Polish Police, allows disabled people to ask for help, give statements or explanations in a convenient way.

Communication services dedicated to deaf people are based on personal video devices available in each territory and municipal police unit. Through the e-services portal, a connection with the on-duty officer can be established from anywhere - all you need is a computer or a phone with a camera. In the connection, in addition to the officer, a sign language interpreter is involved, communication takes place in real time. For people with disabilities, it is a significant change. From now on, deaf people do not have to physically show up at the local police station, all matters can be dealt with remotely. This also applies to submitting explanations or interrogations as the calls are protected against unauthorized access, and call recording allows for their re-enactment.

“Enabling people with disabilities to contact the Police in an easy and intuitive way was for us an extremely important point of the modernization project. Today, electronic services for citizens comply with the standards of accessibility for people with disabilities” says Piotr Pogorzelski, Deputy director of the Communications and IT Department of the Police Headquarters.

The project of modernization of the OST112 communication system of the Police enabled the creation of an integrated portal of electronic services, allowing for faster and more effective contact with officers. Reporting cases by deaf people with the participation of a sign language interpreter is also possible directly in the above-mentioned Police units.

“At NTT, we believe technology should improve our daily lives. We see the great involvement of the Polish Police in removing barriers to access to public services for people with disabilities, and we are glad that our joint project removes one of such barriers. This is an important step on the way to the full social inclusion of people with hearing loss”- says Aneta Bartnicka, Country Manager Director at NTT Ltd. in Poland.

The data of the Central Statistical Office (GUS) collected in the report Health status of the Polish population in 2009 shows that in Poland over 73,000 of people over the age of 15 are "deaf or almost deaf". In the same report, another million Poles declare a partial hearing loss of varying intensity.

-ENDS-

About NTT Ltd.

NTT Ltd. is a leading global technology services company. Working with organizations around the world, we achieve business outcomes through intelligent technology solutions. For us, intelligent means data driven, connected, digital and secure. Our global assets and integrated ICT stack capabilities provide unique offerings in cloud-enabling networking, hybrid cloud, data centers, digital transformation, client experience, workplace and cybersecurity. As a global ICT provider, we employ more than 40,000 people in a diverse and dynamic workplace that spans 57 countries, trading in 73 countries and delivering services in over 200 countries and regions. Together we enable the connected future.

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Media Enquiries:
Aleksandra Porowska
Marketing Manager
NTT Ltd. in Poland 
M:+48 507 705376
E:aleksandra.porowska@global.ntt