Lawmaker wants call centers for hearing-impaired Pinoys

MANILA, Philippines - Bagong Henerasyon party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy disclosed yesterday that she would push for the setting up of call centers by local business establishments and government agencies, that would cater to the needs of an estimated three to four million hearing-impaired Filipinos.

Dy issued the statement as she congratulated the 30 persons who recently completed the two-month Video Relay Service (VRS call center) training program in Makati City.

She said she is currently studying the possibility of filing a legislative proposal that would make it mandatory for business establishments, especially fast-food restaurants, and government agencies to put up their own call centers to attend to hearing and speech impaired persons or hire sign language interpreters to attend to them.

Dy said the success of the initial VRS training has prompted the Bagong Henerasyon party-list group to pursue similar programs in other parts of the country.

“It is the right of individuals with vocal and audio logical impairment to be heard. Being able to communicate and be understood are human entitlements that must not be denied,” she said.

Dy said the VRS program includes sign language proficiency training and video relay computer program education, which are the main components of call center services for the deaf.

She noted VRS centers have become popular in the United States and other countries that have strong government programs for persons with disabilities.

The Bagong Henerasyon party-list group conducted the VRS training program through the help of George Taylor and his sister, Kat. 

Taylor, whose hearing is also impaired, heads the Telecommunication Service Network for the Deaf (Telecomsend).

Dy said Telecomsend has agreed to provide similar training programs for various local government units in the country.

She disclosed that the Quezon City government has expressed interest in the VRS system.

“Negotiations with Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte are underway. We hope to launch a VRS training soon in Quezon City,” she said.

Belmonte is reportedly interested in setting up a call center for hearing impaired persons right at the Quezon City Hall.