### Up to 360 People Use the Certi App for the Deaf Weekly
Certi, an app designed to aid the deaf community in Tijuana, continues to thrive and will remain operational in the next municipal administration. According to Martín Rodríguez, the coordinator for sign language at the Public Education Secretariat, approximately 360 individuals utilize the app each week to access interpreter services.
Launched in January 2022, Certi allows deaf users and their families to communicate effectively through video calls that feature an interpreter. Despite its utility, Rodríguez noted that the app has not been widely publicized, resulting in limited awareness among potential users.
****App’s Impact and Usage**
The app is particularly valuable at the Civil Registry, where it sees frequent usage. Still, it can be employed outside municipal offices as long as users can prove they, or their relatives, are deaf. Tablet devices equipped with Certi are also available at various administrative departments, ensuring communication is uninterrupted even if the user does not have the app on their phone.
Rodríguez emphasized the importance of expanding the app’s availability, particularly for services like the Municipal Police, which require 24/7 support. Currently, the app’s services are operational from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., but efforts are underway to extend these hours.
**Challenges and Future Prospects**
With approximately 10% of Tijuana’s population experiencing some form of disability, and around 2% having auditory impairments, the app plays a crucial role. Due to the lack of awareness, many hearing-impaired individuals avoid municipal offices altogether, knowing they won’t receive adequate assistance.
Rodríguez underscored the need for continued effort from the upcoming local government, set to begin on October 1, to integrate Certi across all public departments and enhance its operational hours.
### Secondary Article: Inclusivity and Its Wider Impact
Activists in Tijuana assert that creating more inclusive spaces for people with disabilities, such as those facilitated by Certi, could significantly boost tourism. Accessibility is a key factor in attracting tourists who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as their families.
Moreover, there is an increasing demand for psychologists proficient in Mexican Sign Language (LSM) in Tijuana. The shortage of sign language interpreters exacerbates challenges for the deaf community, underscoring the need for increased hiring and training efforts.
**Environmental Challenges in Tijuana**
Tijuana has also faced environmental issues such as poor air quality, often attributed to summer forest fires, which have seen a 42% increase this season. The heatwave has led to numerous power outages across various neighborhoods, complicating daily life further. Additionally, elevated temperatures have driven up water consumption by 10%, stressing the city’s water supply infrastructure.
In Tecate, forest fires have ravaged several rural homes and resulted in numerous animal fatalities and injuries. The local fire department has had to bolster coordination and resources to manage the escalating fire incidents.
**Economic Outlook**
Despite various challenges, there has been no reported increase in gasoline prices following the removal of fuel subsidies, providing some economic relief amidst the pressing environmental and infrastructural issues.
### Conclusion
Utilizing technology to support the deaf community through initiatives like the Certi app not only enhances inclusivity but also presents broader socio-economic benefits, including tourism and community resilience. As Tijuana navigates environmental challenges and infrastructure demands, maintaining and expanding such inclusive services will be vital for the city’s progress.