“Unlike hearing people, the deaf are unable to use the nationwide coronavirus information helpline, nor can they just call a primary healthcare centre. This is why, as a ministry dealing with accessibility, we have decided to initiate the launch of a video helpline for the deaf,” explains Małgorzata Jarosińska-Jedynak, Minister of Development Funds and Regional Policy.

The helpline will be financed by the PGNiG Ignacy Łukasiewicz Foundation.

“PGNiG’s decision to support the helpline for the deaf demonstrates our solidarity with the most needy. It also proves that companies, public administration and non-governmental organisations can join forces in these difficult times,” says Jerzy Kwieciński, President of the PGNiG Management Board.

How will the helpline work? The helpline will be operated by the Polish Association of the Deaf on a 24/7 basis. Polish sign language interpreters from all over Poland are engaged in the project. They will work in shifts using smartphones or laptops with Internet access.

A deaf person will be able to call the helpline and obtain information about the coronavirus and what to do if they suspect an infection. The helpline will also benefit the healthcare and medical rescue services as it will facilitate a doctor’s interview of deaf patients, speeding up diagnosis and treatment.

Connection with interpreters will be possible via:

1. Messenger application, directly from the koronawiruspjm Facebook page

2. skype login: Koronawirus-Tłumacz PJM (Coronavirus - Polish Sign Language interpreter)

3. IMO application for connection via computer: no. 609 939 546

4. online sign language interpreting application

“Deaf people have the same right to information as all Polish citizens. We must have a tool that will guarantee such access to information. The helpline is a facility for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, but also for doctors, who from now on can use the help of an interpreter during contact with a deaf person,” stresses Krzysztof Kotyniewcz, Chairman of the Polish Association of the Deaf.

For details about the helpline, go to: https://youtu.be/BGlKmhXTL5c

PGNiG joins the Partnership for Accessibility

The helpline is a concrete and practical demonstration of PGNiG S.A.’s work within the Partnership for Accessibility, affirming its commitment to lend support to the ‘Accessibility Plus’ programme. Documents certifying the Company’s accession to the Partnership have been signed by the PGNiG President Jerzy Kwieciński and by Minister Małgorzata Jarosińska-Jedynak.

“Joining the Partnership is not only a declaration of our willingness to act in accordance with the idea of accessibility and equal treatment. It is also a commitment to work towards the development in Poland of services of this kind dedicated to people with disabilities,” adds Jerzy Kwieciński, President of the PGNiG Management Board.

The aim of the ‘Accessibility Plus’ programme is to provide easy access to goods, services and social and public life opportunities to persons with special needs. The programme is run as part of a broad partnership with local governments, entrepreneurs, non-governmental organisations and the community of people with disabilities, as well as with senior citizens.