Device bridges gap for hearing impaired

Miss-Delectable · 02-05-2006, 05:44 AM

http://www.rctimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll.../1006/MTCN0301

It's a phone set with a small screen attached and cables that connect to a computer. Each unit costs approximately $250 — but those who are getting ready to use it say the device is priceless.

A video remote interpretation system, about to be launched by a local nonprofit group, will allow people who are deaf and hard of hearing to receive simultaneous interpretation at off-site locations without the physical presence of an interpreter.

In other words, those who can't hear will be able to take a college class or see a doctor without a sign language interpreter tagging along. The program, announced yesterday by the League for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing, will kick off in the coming weeks.

"I already have a video relay at home," said Christina Dickinson, signing through an interpreter. "It's a video phone that allows both parties to see each other on screens, cutting out the role of a sign language interpreter from the communication process.

"You can see the facial expressions on the screen. I talk to my friends, make doctor's appointments. (This new technology) will be so helpful."

Already used in some parts of the country by hospitals and universities, the video remote interpretation system allows interpreters to sit in one office, connect online to a remote location where the deaf person is, listen to what is being said and relay the content in sign language.

Both locations must have the devices hooked up to allow the back-and-forth exchange.

"This will make it easier to provide interpreting services," said Les Hutchinson, president and CEO of the League. "At a lower cost, it will allow deaf people to go places and get jobs. Right now, some of the (businesses) pay $40 an hour for an interpreter. This will cut down the cost."

Also, the technology will save interpreters' time. Eric Workman knows that firsthand because as an interpreter he's had to travel around the Midstate to provide assistance.

"Help can arrive to them faster," he said. "It cuts out the interpreters being stuck in traffic or running late. And they don't have to sit there and wait." •

02-05-2006, 05:44 AM	#1 (permalink)
Miss-Delectable Capt Tony Nelson, Jeannie Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: No.1 Shopping Capital in Australia Posts: 8,693 Blog Entries: 3	Device bridges gap for hearing impaired http://www.rctimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll.../1006/MTCN0301 It's a phone set with a small screen attached and cables that connect to a computer. Each unit costs approximately $250 — but those who are getting ready to use it say the device is priceless. A video remote interpretation system, about to be launched by a local nonprofit group, will allow people who are deaf and hard of hearing to receive simultaneous interpretation at off-site locations without the physical presence of an interpreter. In other words, those who can't hear will be able to take a college class or see a doctor without a sign language interpreter tagging along. The program, announced yesterday by the League for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing, will kick off in the coming weeks. "I already have a video relay at home," said Christina Dickinson, signing through an interpreter. "It's a video phone that allows both parties to see each other on screens, cutting out the role of a sign language interpreter from the communication process. "You can see the facial expressions on the screen. I talk to my friends, make doctor's appointments. (This new technology) will be so helpful." Already used in some parts of the country by hospitals and universities, the video remote interpretation system allows interpreters to sit in one office, connect online to a remote location where the deaf person is, listen to what is being said and relay the content in sign language. Both locations must have the devices hooked up to allow the back-and-forth exchange. "This will make it easier to provide interpreting services," said Les Hutchinson, president and CEO of the League. "At a lower cost, it will allow deaf people to go places and get jobs. Right now, some of the (businesses) pay $40 an hour for an interpreter. This will cut down the cost." Also, the technology will save interpreters' time. Eric Workman knows that firsthand because as an interpreter he's had to travel around the Midstate to provide assistance. "Help can arrive to them faster," he said. "It cuts out the interpreters being stuck in traffic or running late. And they don't have to sit there and wait." • __________________

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