Imagine for a moment, you are deaf and cannot use a phone. You live in a remote area and there has been a smoky haze in the air for a few days.  You’re unsure as to which direction the fire is coming from, or even how big it is. You answer the door to a police officer who says “Haven’t you been listening to the radio or TV? You need to get out now”.

A breakthrough smartphone solution has been developed by the Australian Communication Exchange (ACE) which aims to create equal access opportunities to public information for people who are Deaf and hard of hearing.  

‘OpenMi Silent Tweets’ is an app designed to be a ‘deaf radio’ equivalent. The free app uses smart technology to broadcast emergency warning information such as emergency alerts, weather conditions, traffic reports and alert updates.  Available on Android and iPhone devices; the app includes the option of instant location following to automatically follow the user. By providing a text-based equivalent of information which is typically in audio; people who are Deaf or hard of hearing will no longer be excluded from these vital messages.

ACE is collaborating with organisations such as emergency information providers, and city councils to ensure important content into the app. In 2012, ACE was recognised for social inclusion services in the National Disability Awards, jointly winning the Excellence in Social Participation Award. This celebrated the development of innovative apps – including OpenMi Silent Tweets.

A companion service tool, ‘Silent Shout’ enables providers to manage their own emergency warning broadcast service to the community which can be tailored to suit their needs.

This presentation will demonstrate how Silent Tweets works; share current initiatives in the emergency service and public announcement environment; provide user feedback and detail next steps.