The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology’s technical centre for services for persons with disabilities has launched the “Wasel” mobile application to allow hearing and speech impaired access to information on the coronavirus (COVID-19). The service is available around the clock.
Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat said the app aims to support those with disabilities who show symptoms of the virus reach the necessary health services.
He added that the ministry is working to provide support to citizens by activating smart technology and providing trained technical personnel to provide services efficiently.
Talaat emphasised that the service responds to inquiries from hearing impaired citizens on the coronavirus. It serves as just one of the ministry’s many activities in reaching all segments of society and providing technical support services to citizens.
The Technical Center for Services for Persons with Disabilities was launched by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology at the Cairo International Conference and Exhibition for Communications and Information Technology 2019. The centre was implemented under a presidential initiative to integrate and empower those with disabilities through communications and information technology.
The centre is a unique institution in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, as it provides integrated technological solutions, as a contact centre. It also acts as an intermediary enabling people with hearing and speech disabilities to communicate with emergency services, such as ambulance and fire services, by phone.