Hampshire County Council web site accessible for those using sign language

From: PublicTechnology.net, UK - Jul 14, 2004

Milestones Museum, Hampshire's living history museum in Basingstoke, has made its website accessible for people who use sign language.

Anyone with 'Windows Media Player' software will be able to visit the website - www.milestones-museum.com - and then click on British Sign Language (BSL) icons on each web page.

People will then see a video clip of a man interpreting the content of the page in sign language on the screen.

From information on the museum's collections and latest exhibitions, to an overview of special events and activities on offer for children and families - the website is an invaluable resource for anyone planning a visit to the museum or wanting to learn more about Hampshire's history.

Though many deaf people can read, some - particularly those who have been deaf from birth - would see written English as a second language. This service will enable anyone who uses sign language to surf the Milestones website and absorb the wealth of information which is available there.

The website service is a trial and the County Council hopes to carry out some user evaluation with the Hampshire Deaf Association to find out how effective and useful the facility is for deaf people.

The online sign language facility is provided by Remark! Access, a company which acts as a catalyst between the deaf community and service providers.

The County Council's Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage, Councillor John Waddington, said: "Whether it's access to information, buildings, the countryside or culture - ensuring that our services can be used by everyone is one of our key aims.

"This website initiative is one of a number of projects which are underway to help us achieve this - and if it proves successful, it is something which we would hope to introduce for other Recreation and Heritage services and venues."

Related links to this article: Milestones Museum: http://www.milestones-museum.com/
Hampshire County Council: http://www.hants.gov.uk/

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