Hear-T service arrives at the Palermo Forum: barrier-free communication for the hearing impaired.

Last Updated: October 11, 2024

Al Forum di Palermo arriva il servizio Hear-T: comunicazione senza più barriere per chi soffre di sordità

The project “Hear-T. Listening to you is important to us” is based on inclusion, integration, and accessibility, and has been activated within the Forum shopping center in the Brancaccio neighborhood of Palermo. It offers a service of “simultaneous video interpretation in sign language (Lis)”, the first of its kind in Sicily, which can be managed independently using a smartphone. Users, whether deaf individuals or staff at the shopping center, can activate the service by scanning the QR code, which can be found as a label on store windows or on posters inside the mall, or by visiting the Forum Palermo website where there is a dedicated link. Once logged in, users can initiate a video call with an operator for assistance and translation in Lis sign language.

This innovative service makes communication with store owners at the shopping center easier and more immediate for deaf individuals. It allows for requesting and providing information about products to buy, assistance in case of emergencies, or any other needs, as well as facilitating dialogue and breaking down communication barriers with other visitors at the shopping center.

Hear-T is not only useful for shopping, but also for communicating with restaurant patrons, those who enjoy relaxing in the mall’s squares, or for participating in and getting more information about events promoted by Forum Palermo, such as exhibitions, recreational activities, and educational workshops.