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New service ensures more inclusion and autonomy for deaf citizens

The Portuguese Sign Language Contact Centre (LGP), a pilot initiative aimed at facilitating deaf citizens' access to public services, has entered into operation in five Citizen Shops.

Through this center, deaf citizens can access public services with the in-person support of a Citizen Space mediator, and communication is ensured by a Portuguese Sign Language (LGP) interpreter through a video call, ensuring a clear, effective and autonomous service. The service operates by prior scheduling, available through the portal Gov.pt, where an area with detailed information on the operation of the service.

In an initial phase, the service is available at the service points of the Citizen Spaces of the Citizen Shops of Castelo Branco, Lisbon (Laranjeiras), Leiria, Porto and Tavira.

The LGP Contact Centre enhances accessibility and aims to ensure real-time translation and interpretation in LGP for deaf citizens who need to interact with public administration services, promoting more accessible and inclusive communication. This service is provided by the Agency for Technological Reform of the State (ARTE) and the National Institute for Rehabilitation (INR), with the collaboration of the Portuguese Federation of Associations of the Deaf (FPAS) and is part of the government's mission to make public services more inclusive and close to all citizens. The initiative is funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP).