Birmingham International Airport (BIA) has become the first airport in the UK to introduce an innovative Alerter system to assist passengers, visitors and staff who are Deaf or hard of hearing. The 'Deaf Alerter' system notifies the user via a small hand-held unit, known as an Alerter, in the event of a fire alarm situation.
Permanently connected to the Airport's fire alarm system, 'Deaf Alerter' responds immediately to an alarm activation and transmits a message simultaneously to each Alerter wherever they are in the terminals. Once triggered, the Alerter will vibrate and flash to attract the wearer's attention and will continue until the person is outside the building.
It is anticipated that in the future the system will be programmed to provide flight and boarding information.
Cathy Hill, General Manager of Customer Services for BIA said, "This initiative demonstrates our commitment to making BIA safer and more accessible for people with disabilities. Over the years we have invested in a number of facilities to assist Deaf and hard-of-hearing people, including Textphones, a MINICOM system, and Induction Loops. Furthermore, a number of our employees have learnt the art of sign language to help to communicate with our passengers and ease their journey."
"I'm so happy that we can now provide this new system, which will ultimately give our Deaf and hard-of-hearing passengers and our employees more freedom and confidence whilst they are at Birmingham Airport."
Bryan Sheppard, Chief Executive of BID Services with Deaf People in Birmingham, praised the Airport for its commitment to helping Deaf and hard of hearing people and said, "It is fantastic news that BIA has taken this step to ensure the safety of both its deaf staff and customers. BIA has constantly been at the forefront of ensuring equality for deaf people with disabilities, being the first airport in the UK to introduce this system proves this commitment."
Deaf Alerter's Technical Director, Martyn Coldicott said, "Deaf Alerter is delighted to have been able to assist BIA in their efforts to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act, by making their services accessible to deaf passengers. I am certain BIA's investment will enhance their first class passenger service and facilities, as the system is committed to protecting lives by providing equal egress during emergencies and displaying information normally provided by audible means."
Passengers wishing to borrow an Alerter while visiting the Airport should enquire at the Information Desk situated in the Millennium Link between Terminals One and Two. An instruction card will be provided giving details on what the user should expect from the facility. 'Drop off' boxes are located at every boarding gate so that passengers can return the Alerters before their flight departs.
The portable Alerters are small enough to be placed in a pocket or attached to a belt. Many hearing impaired people possess their own Alerters that can pick up fire alarm alerts in buildings with the Deaf Alerter system, including at BIA. The Airport's Alerters are not programmed to work off-site.
