Texting for the Deaf

Miss-Delectable · 04-20-2008, 03:14 AM

KNDO/KNDU Tri-Cities, Yakima, WA | Texting for the Deaf

Text messaging has changed the lives of millions, but there's one group who's lives have been transformed through the simple ability to text.

Most people don't think of texting as a life changer, but if you can't hear, it's the first time you've been able to communicate using a cell phone.

Michaela Thepvognsa is a normal 11 year old girl, she texts with her friends, talks on instant messenger, except for one thing.

"We wouldn't be able to communicate that much because we can't hear on the phone," Michaela said.

Michaela is deaf. A cochlear implant gives her a little bit of hearing, but not enough to communicate.

Instead, she mostly reads lips and signs. Things that come in handy in person, but not over the phone.

That's where texting comes in.

"It made it much easier and we would be able to communicate without talking," she said.

Texting is giving thousands of deaf people a new form of communication, and taking the burden off those around them.

Before, her brother had to translate things over the phone for her, now he's free while she texts away.

"I get to do whatever I wanna do and she gets to talk to her friends by herself and everything," her brother Brandon said.

And Michaela can get friend's numbers, stay in contact and connect like never before.

"Yeah, I like to text my friends a lot. So that's what I do, like, if I'm at the computer or I was at the phone to text, or when I'm in the car I would text."

Even though Michaela can text, her mom says she can't find a company that will give her just texting with no voice plan so she doesn't pay for a service she can't use.

We found online that U.S. Cellular does offer a text only service which costs $24.95 a month.

GraysonPeddie · 04-21-2008, 04:04 PM

Texting is very great for me.

Freaky Cat · 04-21-2008, 05:28 PM

I agree.. texting is WONDERFUL as i got a cell phone with unlimited texting.. its awesome! perfect for emergency while im on the go, too!

Bottesini · 04-21-2008, 08:03 PM

Texting is best technology I have as I can now talk to my family anytime.

JClarke · 04-21-2008, 08:12 PM

Texting/SMS is a lifesaver

AliciaM · 04-21-2008, 09:08 PM

I agree! i lovee to text! very handy! i have bb messenger etc on my new b curve too and it is great!

AliciaM · 04-21-2008, 09:09 PM

i wish there was some sort of discount or something though that could be given if your hoh/deaf for texting seeing as alot of deaf/hoh sometimes cannot use the voice plan at all...

JClarke · 04-21-2008, 09:25 PM

For me, mine's different...I am on a normal plan, but mostly on for SMS/Text and video calls.

Byrdie714 · 04-21-2008, 09:48 PM

Texting is great but remember.....no texting and driving at the same time in this state, it's illegal!

Matilda · 04-21-2008, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Byrdie714

Texting is great but remember.....no texting and driving at the same time in this state, it's illegal!

I think that goes for everywhere in the world, you would think. It's downright dangerous!

04-20-2008, 03:14 AM	#1 (permalink)
Miss-Delectable Capt Tony Nelson, Jeannie Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: No.1 Shopping Capital in Australia Posts: 10,238 Blog Entries: 3	Texting for the Deaf KNDO/KNDU Tri-Cities, Yakima, WA \| Texting for the Deaf Text messaging has changed the lives of millions, but there's one group who's lives have been transformed through the simple ability to text. Most people don't think of texting as a life changer, but if you can't hear, it's the first time you've been able to communicate using a cell phone. Michaela Thepvognsa is a normal 11 year old girl, she texts with her friends, talks on instant messenger, except for one thing. "We wouldn't be able to communicate that much because we can't hear on the phone," Michaela said. Michaela is deaf. A cochlear implant gives her a little bit of hearing, but not enough to communicate. Instead, she mostly reads lips and signs. Things that come in handy in person, but not over the phone. That's where texting comes in. "It made it much easier and we would be able to communicate without talking," she said. Texting is giving thousands of deaf people a new form of communication, and taking the burden off those around them. Before, her brother had to translate things over the phone for her, now he's free while she texts away. "I get to do whatever I wanna do and she gets to talk to her friends by herself and everything," her brother Brandon said. And Michaela can get friend's numbers, stay in contact and connect like never before. "Yeah, I like to text my friends a lot. So that's what I do, like, if I'm at the computer or I was at the phone to text, or when I'm in the car I would text." Even though Michaela can text, her mom says she can't find a company that will give her just texting with no voice plan so she doesn't pay for a service she can't use. We found online that U.S. Cellular does offer a text only service which costs $24.95 a month. __________________

04-21-2008, 04:04 PM	#2 (permalink)
GraysonPeddie Eye/Hear/Speech Impaired Join Date: May 2006 Location: Tallahassee, FL 32310 Posts: 1,083	Texting is very great for me. __________________ ASL Tutorials: http://www.lifeprint.com/asl101/page...t/concepts.htm www.lessontutor.com/ASLgenhome.html ASL Grammar: http://daphne.palomar.edu/kstruxness...les%201-06.pdf ASL Browser: http://commtechlab.msu.edu/sites/aslweb/browser.htm www.lifeprint.com/asl101/pages-layout/signs.htm www.aslpro.com

04-21-2008, 05:28 PM	#3 (permalink)
Freaky Cat Happy Spring :) Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: ArKaNsAs Posts: 10,215	I agree.. texting is WONDERFUL as i got a cell phone with unlimited texting.. its awesome! perfect for emergency while im on the go, too! __________________ When you miss me just look up to the night sky and remember, I'm like a star; sometimes you can't see me, but I'm always there! Freaky Cat's Blog

04-21-2008, 08:12 PM	#5 (permalink)
JClarke Good times, good times. Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Packing bags for U.S.A Posts: 20,224 Blog Entries: 5	Texting/SMS is a lifesaver __________________

04-21-2008, 09:08 PM	#6 (permalink)
AliciaM Midge Join Date: May 2006 Location: Ottawa, ON Posts: 1,603	I agree! i lovee to text! very handy! i have bb messenger etc on my new b curve too and it is great! __________________ Alicia Phonak versatas Severe loss deaf Ears are cheap. It's what's between the ears that counts

Today
Deafness	Sponsored Links __________________ This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members. Register your free account today and become a member on AllDeaf.com

04-21-2008, 08:03 PM	#4 (permalink)
Bottesini Bodhar agus leath dall Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Middle of dog pack Posts: 16,073	Texting is best technology I have as I can now talk to my family anytime.

04-21-2008, 09:09 PM	#7 (permalink)
AliciaM Midge Join Date: May 2006 Location: Ottawa, ON Posts: 1,603	i wish there was some sort of discount or something though that could be given if your hoh/deaf for texting seeing as alot of deaf/hoh sometimes cannot use the voice plan at all... __________________ Alicia Phonak versatas Severe loss deaf Ears are cheap. It's what's between the ears that counts

04-21-2008, 09:25 PM	#8 (permalink)
JClarke Good times, good times. Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Packing bags for U.S.A Posts: 20,224 Blog Entries: 5	For me, mine's different...I am on a normal plan, but mostly on for SMS/Text and video calls. __________________

04-21-2008, 09:48 PM	#9 (permalink)
Byrdie714 Banned Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 8,946	Texting is great but remember.....no texting and driving at the same time in this state, it's illegal!

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