Conference Programme 2026

This session shares the development of TapSOS - the UK’s government-accredited, non-verbal 999 solution designed for accessibility and inclusivity. It will show how WCAG-compliant design, user co-creation and accessibility principles enable vulnerable citizens to contact emergency services safely and reliably. Attendees will see how accessible design has been delivered in practice, the results achieved, and why accessibility must be a foundational element of NG999.

TapSOS demonstrates that non-verbal, inclusive design can be embedded seamlessly into emergency workflows, ensuring people who cannot use voice channels are not excluded. For the BAPCO audience, this case study offers practical lessons for future NG999 deployments and highlights why accessibility is essential for trust, equality and operational resilience.

Participants will gain:

• Clear insight into applying WCAG and inclusive design in public safety technology
• Practical guidance on integrating non-verbal reporting into PSAPs and control rooms
• An understanding of why accessibility is not just compliance, but critical to modern emergency communications.