Member Article

Sytner Mercedes Benz partners with sign language interpretation provider to improve Deaf accessibility across its UK dealerships

Sytner Mercedes Benz has partnered with sign language interpretation provider, Sign Solutions, to improve accessibility for Deaf customers across its UK dealerships.

The business has implemented Sign Solutions’ InterpretersLive! video remote interpreting service in its 12 dealerships nationwide, allowing Deaf customers who use British Sign Language [BSL] as their first language to communicate with the sales team or service members of staff through a BSL interpreter on an iPad via the Star Leaf app.

The partnership coincides with Deaf Awareness Week [4th – 9th May 2021], which aims to raise awareness and challenge perceptions of hearing loss and deafness across the UK.

Michelle Mirfin, HR manager at Mercedes Benz Division, said: “One of Sytner’s team philosophies is to embrace diversity and inclusivity, so to be able to incorporate the InterpretersLive! service within our Sytner Mercedes Benz dealerships further supports our local Deaf communities.

“The platform is easy for our staff and customers to use and removes communication barriers by enabling them to communicate in-person straight away. It means we can fully support our Deaf customers and provide them with the best experience possible.”

Clare Vale, managing director of Sign Solutions, said: “We are very proud to be working with Sytner Mercedes Benz to support its efforts to provide inclusivity and accessibility for its Deaf customers.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the barriers faced by Deaf people and it is encouraging that Sytner Mercedes Benz has recognised and responded to this, by reducing these barriers and ensuring each customer enjoys the optimum customer experience within its dealerships.”

Sign Solutions was founded in 1998 and provides innovative communication services nationwide. The business’ InterpretersLive! platform is used for a multitude of purposes, from NHS consultations to university and college courses and to enable Deaf BSL users to contact organisations over the phone.

Each of Sign Solutions’ NRCPD registered and qualified interpreters work on-demand and in addition BSL users can choose to book their preferred interpreter in advance, before joining the video session securely via an app where their interpreter will be waiting for them.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Jones .