Plan for digital sign language centre gets parliamentary backing

TDT | Manama

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A proposal to establish a digital contact centre for real-time sign language interpretation, designed to help hearing-impaired individuals access government services, has gained unanimous approval from Parliament’s Services Committee.

The initiative, submitted by MPs Ahmed Sabah Al Salloom, Mohammed Al Marafi, Iman Shuwaiter, Zainab Abdulameer, and Khalid Buanaq, aims to promote equality by providing direct assistance to hearing-impaired citizens through specialised services in government institutions.

While supporting the proposal’s objectives, the Civil Service Bureau suggested that training existing staff in sign language and adopting video communication technologies could achieve similar results. This approach, the bureau noted, would align with Bahrain’s 2023–2026 government programme, which prioritises digital transformation to enhance public services.

The Ministry of Social Development pointed out that the plan involves collaboration among multiple government bodies, requiring a coordinated implementation strategy.

The proposal reflects a broader commitment to inclusion, ensuring that all members of society can access essential services seamlessly.