Sms alarms

In July this year, the Rt Hon
Malcolm Bruce, Liberal
Democrat MP, welcomed
guests to Portcullis House,
House of Commons for the
launch of DMS (Deaf Message
Service) – a new fire safety
product that informs deaf or
hard of hearing people when
the fire alarm sounds in a
public place.

DMS also helps service
providers and employers compliance
with elements of the Disability
Discrimination Act (DDA).

Profoundly deaf Clare Chilton, an
assessor for Level One British Sign
Language exams and a TV
presenter on deaf issues,
says: “Deaf people can feel
very vulnerable especially
to any kind of emergency.

DMS is such a brilliant
idea. And by using text
messaging (SMS) to let
you know a fire alarm is
sounding, it’s using
something deaf people use
all the time.”