The latest National Survey on Disability and Dependency (Enida), conducted last year, showed that in Chile, 2,703,893 people over the age of 18 have a disability. This is equivalent to 17.6% of the population. Of these, 6.2% have a mild to moderate disability and 11.4% have a severe disability. Regarding deaf people, it is estimated that about 180 thousand are totally deaf.
This reality led Entel, together with Red-Apis, a company dedicated to inclusion through technological resources, to implement in its stores a technological tool that facilitates communication between deaf people who speak sign language and the company’s salespeople and executives. The pilot, which began in three stores in Santiago in May 2022, is now being implemented in the company’s 104 branches throughout the country, benefiting more than 100 people to date.
The solution is based on an innovative videoconferencing technology that allows people who need it to have access to customer services to the general public. In this case, it enables Entel store salespeople to communicate with deaf people using sign language through online interpreters. This is also in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 10 and 11, which refer to the reduction of inequalities and sustainable cities and communities.
“At Entel we understand that our mission is not only to connect people through new technologies, but also to give real access to the use of these in everyday life and to everyone equally. In this sense, our purpose reflects the challenge that Entel has taken on, as a relevant actor in the inclusive digitalization of our society and the generation of opportunities through technology, with the goal that no person is left behind or left out of these possibilities. This initiative allows us to offer a new service channel that provides autonomy to those who previously faced a significant barrier when trying to communicate and resolve their concerns and needs in our stores”, says Francisca Florenzano, Entel’s Sustainability and Communications Manager.
How does it work?
Upon entering the store, the user who speaks sign language is attended by a host or hostess, who shows an explanatory video about the service and provides a customer service number. There, a query is made to the sales executive, who connects via a tablet or smartphone to a platform where a sign language interpreter is connected. The online translator talks to the customer, receives the request and passes it on in Spanish to the sales executive or salesperson, allowing for a fluid and secure service. For more information, check our social networks @entel and our website: www.entel.cl
12 May, 2023
The latest National Survey on Disability and Dependency (Enida), conducted last year, showed that in Chile, 2,703,893 people over the age of 18 have a disability. This is equivalent to 17.6% of the population. Of these, 6.2% have a mild to moderate disability and 11.4% have a severe disability. Regarding deaf people, it is estimated that about 180 thousand are totally deaf.
This reality led Entel, together with Red-Apis, a company dedicated to inclusion through technological resources, to implement in its stores a technological tool that facilitates communication between deaf people who speak sign language and the company’s salespeople and executives. The pilot, which began in three stores in Santiago in May 2022, is now being implemented in the company’s 104 branches throughout the country, benefiting more than 100 people to date.
The solution is based on an innovative videoconferencing technology that allows people who need it to have access to customer services to the general public. In this case, it enables Entel store salespeople to communicate with deaf people using sign language through online interpreters. This is also in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 10 and 11, which refer to the reduction of inequalities and sustainable cities and communities.
“At Entel we understand that our mission is not only to connect people through new technologies, but also to give real access to the use of these in everyday life and to everyone equally. In this sense, our purpose reflects the challenge that Entel has taken on, as a relevant actor in the inclusive digitalization of our society and the generation of opportunities through technology, with the goal that no person is left behind or left out of these possibilities. This initiative allows us to offer a new service channel that provides autonomy to those who previously faced a significant barrier when trying to communicate and resolve their concerns and needs in our stores”, says Francisca Florenzano, Entel’s Sustainability and Communications Manager.
How does it work?
Upon entering the store, the user who speaks sign language is attended by a host or hostess, who shows an explanatory video about the service and provides a customer service number. There, a query is made to the sales executive, who connects via a tablet or smartphone to a platform where a sign language interpreter is connected. The online translator talks to the customer, receives the request and passes it on in Spanish to the sales executive or salesperson, allowing for a fluid and secure service. For more information, check our social networks @entel and our website: www.entel.cl
The latest National Survey on Disability and Dependency (Enida), conducted last year, showed that in Chile, 2,703,893 people over the age of 18 have a disability. This is equivalent to 17.6% of the population. Of these, 6.2% have a mild to moderate disability and 11.4% have a severe disability. Regarding deaf people, it is estimated that about 180 thousand are totally deaf.
This reality led Entel, together with Red-Apis, a company dedicated to inclusion through technological resources, to implement in its stores a technological tool that facilitates communication between deaf people who speak sign language and the company’s salespeople and executives. The pilot, which began in three stores in Santiago in May 2022, is now being implemented in the company’s 104 branches throughout the country, benefiting more than 100 people to date.
The solution is based on an innovative videoconferencing technology that allows people who need it to have access to customer services to the general public. In this case, it enables Entel store salespeople to communicate with deaf people using sign language through online interpreters. This is also in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 10 and 11, which refer to the reduction of inequalities and sustainable cities and communities.
“At Entel we understand that our mission is not only to connect people through new technologies, but also to give real access to the use of these in everyday life and to everyone equally. In this sense, our purpose reflects the challenge that Entel has taken on, as a relevant actor in the inclusive digitalization of our society and the generation of opportunities through technology, with the goal that no person is left behind or left out of these possibilities. This initiative allows us to offer a new service channel that provides autonomy to those who previously faced a significant barrier when trying to communicate and resolve their concerns and needs in our stores”, says Francisca Florenzano, Entel’s Sustainability and Communications Manager.
How does it work?
Upon entering the store, the user who speaks sign language is attended by a host or hostess, who shows an explanatory video about the service and provides a customer service number. There, a query is made to the sales executive, who connects via a tablet or smartphone to a platform where a sign language interpreter is connected. The online translator talks to the customer, receives the request and passes it on in Spanish to the sales executive or salesperson, allowing for a fluid and secure service. For more information, check our social networks @entel and our website: www.entel.cl