Jordan ensures deaf citizens can access emergency services
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In Jordan, the Public Security Directorate (PSD) established a 24-hour emergency dispatch service for deaf citizens, connecting them directly to the 911 operations room.
Recognizing that standard phone calls exclude people who are deaf, the PSD uses the “114 Deaf JO” mobile application to receive video calls from deaf individuals. Trained officers fluent in sign language then assess the situation, log details, and dispatch help while simultaneously providing first aid guidance through live video.
This system extends beyond immediate crises, also supporting reports of cybercrime and requests for specialized police assistance. International advocates, like the network Communication Without Borders, believe legal recognition of sign language is only the first step toward full inclusion. They argue that deaf people deserve unobstructed access to sign language in all areas of life, education, employment, and public services, and emphasize that sign language is a complete linguistic system.
Rawan Abu Khuffash, the first hearing-impaired graduate of the Faculty of Sharia, explained that accessible communication is essential for independence and dignity, as a lack of interpreters can force deaf individuals to rely on others and risk miscommunication. Abu Khuffash and other advocates are urging Jordanian institutions to invest in training and accommodations to create a more inclusive environment.
