Content of the article.
The Executive Branch has issued various measures in different areas to address the health emergency caused by COVID-19, with the aim of providing protection and prevention for people in vulnerable situations, including persons with disabilities. These measures range from the enactment of rules with the force of law, such as the recent Legislative Decree 1468, which establishes prevention and protection provisions for persons with disabilities in the context of the pandemic, to the implementation of a virtual assistance platform intended to benefit persons with hearing disabilities.
According to an interview conducted by Exitosa Noticias with Dr. Maria Luisa Chavez Kanashiro, CONADIS Director of Disability Policies, two very important developments were reported. First, a Virtual Records Office has already been enabled for the general public so that all types of documents relating to procedures before CONADIS can be submitted; and second, the implementation and dissemination of a virtual platform that will operate 24 hours a day.
Regarding this second development, the platform uses the GoToMeeting system to establish online conversations through a computer with a camera and/or a smartphone when essential services are provided, such as public or private health services, services provided by the National Police, and financial services. The initiative responds to situations in which a person with a hearing disability faces communication barriers when seeking those services. The public or private entity can contact the virtual platform and request a sign-language interpreting service. The platform is available on the CONADIS website; the entity must register with CONADIS through the link: http://sistemas.conadisperu.gob.pe/websrao/public/lengua/entidades, complete the form to register the entity, and make the call.
As described above, sign-language interpreters act as intermediaries between persons with hearing disabilities or Deaf persons and the public- or private-sector entity in order to ensure effective communication and understanding. The virtual service is available throughout the health emergency with the aim of eliminating barriers that prevent communication with persons with hearing disabilities.
This implementation was made possible through coordination between CONADIS and the Office of the Ombudsperson. The measures adopted by CONADIS highlight the importance of placing human beings at the center of technological uses, both to increase well-being and to help technology serve as a support tool for persons with disabilities. During the health crisis, technology allows us to view the world around us from another, more promising perspective oriented toward social inclusion. Finally, it should be emphasized that dissemination of the virtual platform is consistent with the Second Complementary Provision of Legislative Decree No. 1468.
You can view the full interview on Exitosa Noticias in the following box:
