SMS to assist deaf in WA

From: NEWS.com.au, Australia - Jun 6, 2003

Staff writers

THE Western Australia Police Service has launched an SMS-based inquiry service for the deaf and speech impaired.

Known as SMSAssist, the service allows the deaf, hard of hearing and speech impaired to contact police without having to talk on the telephone.

Instead, they can send a text message, which police can respond to via a desktop PC. The reply is also sent by SMS.

The service was developed by Optus and Perth-based IT services firm Amnet.

"The police service is always looking for ways in which it can better serve the community Using technology in clever ways is improving the way in which the police assist the community and SMSAssist is a great example this," said WA Police commissioner Barry Matthews.

The service will be available to registered users from wherever there is mobile coverage in the state.

Copyright 2003 News Limited.