A phone which lets deaf visitors communicate with loved ones back home has been installed at the airport.

When callers get through to the number they have dialled, a keyboard and digital display appears allowing the two parties to communicate by text.

The new device was welcomed by Jennifer Jeffers-Grant, who teaches the deaf at Victor Scott school. She and her husband who are both deaf, are used to using the machinery when travelling.

She said: "When we travel, especially to any airport in the United States, we always use the pay phone that is this same type to call the relay operator.

"The relay operator connects us directly to the taxi or van service or calls anyone we need to contact."

She said major US phone companies are required by law to have trained relay operators for the deaf. British and Canadian phone companies have relay operators as well but Bermuda has no similar legislation.

She said the technology made the deaf more independent.

Although the technology is used by the coordinator of the disabled and at Northrock Communications it is the first time it had been put in a public place.

Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown said it was important all sectors of the community could travel through the airport.

He said: "I believe the Bermuda public deserve services that are available elsewhere and I am pleased we are taking the lead in providing them."