Bridging the Gap strengthens the Communication and Mediation Centre for Deaf Persons in Ecuador

The Communication and Mediation Centre for Deaf Persons in Ecuador (COSORI) will be strengthened from June onwards thanks to the support of Bridging the Gap, so that it can be available 24 hours a day to meet the high demand for this service caused by the COVID-19 health crisis.

This service is a Call Center that works as an Ecuadorian Sign Language interpreter in real-time via Skype, becoming a “Communication Bridge” between the Deaf Community and the hearing people. It was originally conceived as a pilot plan, but, over the years, it has been consolidated offering a quality service to the Deaf Community that is even more necessary at this moment.

However, the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic have affected the service too, making it available only in specific time slots.

Bridging the Gap’s financial support will make it available 24 hours a day so that everyone who needs it can have real-time communication on personal, health and administrative issues. The service will also include the option of sending video messages to deaf persons who could not be reached and text messages to hearing persons who could not be contacted by video conference.