Deaf and hard-of-hearing customers will soon have better access to services as ICBC expands live, on-demand sign language interpretation at every driver licensing office in B.C.
The service helps deaf and hard-of-hearing customers communicate with ICBC staff in real time, without needing to book an in-person American Sign Language interpreter in advance, ICBC announced Friday (May 1).
It uses video interpreting on demand, connecting the customer with an interpreter immediately. Customers can scan a QR code with a smartphone camera and open a link to connect with an American Sign Language interpreter on a secure video call with no apps or downloads needed.
Sara-Jane Finlay, ICBC’s associate director of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, said the program became possible “thanks to the essential work of employees who brought their lived experiences” forward.
ICBC launched the program in January at six offices. Between January and March, dozens of customers at each location used the service, totalling 156 minutes of interpretation time.
Attorney General Niki Sharma said this is what accessible, modern government services should look like.
“Expanding on-demand ASL interpretation to every driver licensing office in B.C. means Deaf and hard of hearing people can access these essential services in their own community, in their own language, without having to plan around someone else’s schedule.”