The “Be Our Voice” online sign language interpretation service, implemented by the State Agency for Medical and Social Expertise and Rehabilitation under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, has been recognised as a best practice by the World Health Organization (WHO).

This inclusive project has been included in a WHO document covering successful practices in ensuring accessibility, inclusion and social integration for persons with disabilities across the European region.
Link: https://iris.who.int/server/api/core/bitstreams/6f890c17-4860-43ce-aaf3-1eb55a5020e1/content

The document provides information about the service, its advantages, and its benefits for persons with hearing and speech impairments. It highlights that the project enables these individuals to communicate directly with service providers and significantly facilitates access to healthcare services.

Launched for the first time in Azerbaijan in July this year, the service ensures that requests from persons with hearing and speech impairments are conveyed to third parties (state institutions, private sector entities, etc.). Users contact an operator via video call or written message, and the operator acts as a sign language interpreter, establishing online communication with the relevant third party.

Thus, the service functions as a “virtual bridge” between persons who do not know sign language and individuals with hearing or speech impairments. So far, 218 people have benefited from the service.

To use the “Be Our Voice” online sign language interpretation service, citizens may contact 055 213 19 97 via WhatsApp or Telegram. The service operates six days a week, from 09:00 to 16:00, except Sundays.