Telenor Foundation presented a unique application for getting to know and understanding Serbian and international sign language (IS) “Talking hands”. Aleksandar Vulin, Minister of Labour, Employment, Veterans’ and Social Affairs, Ingeborg Øfsthus, CEO of Telenor Serbia and Anđelka Prpić, actress, were present at the event.

The application is a part of the Telenor Foundation’s project “Be a part of good communication”, implemented with the aim of enabling easier access to digital communications to the community of deaf and persons with impaired hearing, that numbers over 100,000 persons in Serbia.

“Possibilities introduced by the digitalisation of the society are huge, especially for the community of the deaf and persons with impaired hearing, because it can greatly make the daily communication easier and significantly improve the quality of life. If we add to this the fact that members of that community are often pioneers in using the modern technological solutions, it’s clear that we are on the right way”, said Ingeborg Øfsthus, CEO of Telenor Serbia.

The application is a result of the cooperation of the civic association ALTHEA and Telenor Foundation, while the Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veterans’ and Social Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and City organisation of the deaf of Belgrade also rendered their support to the project.

It’s made in the form of a dictionary of basic terms, so that everyone can familiarise himself with the sign language but, at the same time, also communicate with foreign tourists. It is available in Serbian and English and all users also have a quiz at their disposal, so as to check their knowledge. By clicking on the icon the Law, you are offered informed of the Law on the Use of the Sign Language, adopted by the Government of the Republic of Serbia.

Apart from the application, as part of the project “Be a part of good communication”, a Telecentre was also opened, first online translation centre for the sign language in the Balkans. Also, devices for the early screening of hearing have been provided for three maternity wards, as well as Internet access, tablets and specialised tariff packages in 44 city organisations all over Serbia. Homes for children with impaired hearing in Belgrade and Subotica were donated with PCs and internet access.