DEWA and CDA release new tutorial videos for hearing-impaired customers

Government

DEWA and CDA release new tutorial videos for hearing-impaired customers

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has released its very first set of guide videos that use Emirati sign language to showcase DEWA's 3 significant services to support hearing-impaired customers. The move supports the Smart Dubai initiative, launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and DEWA's dedication to establish customer services based on the highest worldwide requirements, and attain the happiness of stakeholders as part of DEWA's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The videos were produced in cooperation with the Community Development Authority (CDA).

The tutorials featured in the videos are discussed by an indication language-trained DEWA worker and supported by an expert from the CDA. The tutorials cover key subjects like moving-in and moving-out, billing enquiries and expense payment channels The videos support DEWA's existing 'Ash'ir' effort, a sign-language-based live video chat service for speech- and hearing-impaired customers, which was released by DEWA in November 2014.

The video chat service permits consumers to interact directly with DEWA's call-centre personnel, using sign language. The service is offered all the time on DEWA's smart app. DEWA is the very first government organisation in the UAE to release such a service.

"DEWA is dedicated to fulfilling its CSR in line with the Dubai Vision 2021, launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and promotes the more advancement of social services. DEWA's release of the guide videos supports the 'My Community ... A City for Everyone' effort launched by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, in 2013 to change Dubai into a fully disability-friendly city by 2020, by striving to further enable those with impairments and to motivate individuals with disabilities to be more included with the community. The initiative likewise supports the difficulty of people with impairments in overcoming certain obstacles, providing equal opportunities and rights, and promoting and maintaining social cohesion," said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

"We would like to thank CDA and its officials for their cooperation and intensive efforts to launch this project. DEWA's collaboration with CDA exhibits our unified commitment to our country, and serving it in the best way possible, it also shows DEWA's efforts to boost sustainable advancement within Dubai, in addition to improve its position as a global center for smart federal government services, supplying the first-rate services for its citizens and residents at the highest worldwide standards. DEWA makes every possible effort to accommodate and start team effort to improve processes, simplify procedures, and improve services," included Al Tayer.

DEWA was a strategic sponsor of the AccessAbilities Expo, which took place from 9-11 February. Throughout the Expo, DEWA's stand showcased services devoted to individuals with impairments and informing their families on the advantages of these services.

DEWA released the Absher Initiative that includes a dedicated team of Human Resources experts, in addition to a hotline to offer guidance to staff members with special needs, aid them with their documentation, and even more integrate them into society.

In addition, DEWA's 'Sanad' cards offer services for individuals with disabilities. DEWA also supplies valet-parking at all its branches, and wheelchair and Maraheb services, and offers priority to consumers with special requirements.