The Civil Government of the District of Faro and the Algarve Deaf Association have launched the service ''SMS-Voz'' (SMS-Voice), an emergency line (tel.: 911 120 000) for mobile phones which gives access to deaf people through SMS.
The regional ''SMS-Voz'' project consists of installing a mobile phone in the Local Command for Relief Operations of Faro, which will forward the information to the respective bodies depending on the case. The operator will always confirm that the request for help has been received by sending an SMS to the person seeking help. Meanwhile a table has been drawn up of abbreviations of the main emergency situations so that requests can be handled more quickly. Currently the service, which operates 24 hours per day, is free only for messages sent from the same mobile operator, but will soon be free for messages sent from other operators.
This project allows greater accessibility and will be subject to permanent assessment with a view to rolling the project out nationwide. It may also be taken up by other Member States of the European Union.
Further information:
- Governo Civil de Faro http://www.gov-civil-faro.pt/detalhe/default.asp?t=dest&id=18
