Developing an emergency mobile phone text service and incorporating sign language video clips on its website were among a number of innovations that earned Sussex Police a top award at the prestigious RADAR People of the Year Human Rights Awards in December 2007.
The addition of a branded Textic Toolbar to the Sussex Police website has formed part of a tide of success for the force's policies and activities as they relate to the extension of accessibility and inclusivity. The vocalisation of the website was a final element in a three-year programme aimed at making the website fully DDA compliant.
The award recognised the fact that the efforts taken to engage with disabled people has produced considerable improvements in the service disabled people can expect from Sussex Police. These service improvements include:
- The planned introduction of an emergency text service to supplement the existing non-emergency text service.
- The improvement of access to police services across all fronts.
- The creation of a new disabled officers network.
- A three-year programme aimed at making the Sussex Police website fully compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act. The website now includes British Sign Language video clips as well as a toolbar which reads web text in a clear, life-like voice.
- The production of an information booklet, 'Serving with Disabilities', for new recruits to the force.
