Essex & Suffolk Water Enhances Digital Accessibility with BSL Videos
Essex & Suffolk Water has launched a new feature on its website to improve accessibility for customers, particularly those in the deaf community. The company now offers British Sign Language (BSL) videos with a BSL translator available across several key pages. This initiative aims to address the challenges faced by many deaf individuals who use BSL as their first language, as written English can be difficult to navigate due to differences in grammar and structure.
Partnerships Driving Inclusive Digital Solutions
The water company collaborated with Sign Solutions, a BSL translation specialist, and Recite Me, the provider of its accessibility toolbar, to integrate signed video content directly into the website. Barbara Anderson, digital experience manager at Essex & Suffolk Water, stated: "Our website is one of the best places for our customers to access information about their water services, and we want all our customers to feel confident accessing the support they need. Introducing BSL was another important step in making sure our services are truly inclusive and accessible to everyone, in whichever format they need it."
Visitors can access the new tool by clicking the 'Accessibility' bar at the top of the homepage and selecting the Sign Language option within the Recite Me toolbar. This action triggers a video interpreter delivering content in BSL, making online information more accessible.
Industry Leaders Praise the Initiative
Sophie Kang, sales and marketing manager at Sign Solutions, commented: "We are delighted to be partnering with Recite Me and Essex & Suffolk Water to provide Deaf customers with access to website information in BSL. As the first assistive toolbar to offer this functionality, Recite Me is helping to take an important step forward in breaking down communication barriers online." Ross Linnett, founder and CEO of Recite Me, added: "Adding British Sign Language to our Assistive Toolbar is an important step in breaking down barriers for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. We’re proud to support Essex & Suffolk Water in creating a more inclusive digital experience for its customers."
Additional Accessibility Features and Support Services
Since 2019, Essex & Suffolk Water has partnered with Recite Me to incorporate various online accessibility tools. The website already includes features such as:
- Text-to-speech functionality
- Screen reading capabilities
- Reading aids for enhanced usability
Furthermore, the company reminds customers that those requiring extra assistance can register for free Priority Services. This program offers tailored help for individuals with additional needs, ensuring comprehensive support beyond digital access. For more details and to sign up, customers are encouraged to visit the company's dedicated webpage.
