Deaf Communication

There are different ways of communicating with deaf people. This page explains some of the methods and technologies geared towards deaf communication:

TDD - (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) 

TDD is an electronic device for text communication via a telephone line, used when one or more of the parties has hearing or speech difficulties. Other names for TDD include TTY (telephone typewriter or teletypewriter), text telephone or textphone (common in Europe) and minicom (United Kingdom). The typical TDD is a device about the size of a small laptop computer with a standard keyboard and small screen to display typed text electronically. In addition, TDDs commonly have a small spool of paper on which text is also printed. The text is transmitted live, via a telephone line, to a compatible device, i.e. one that uses a similar communication protocol. In certain countries there are Telecommunications Relay Services, so that a deaf person can communicate with a hearing person on an ordinary voice phone using a human relay operator. There are also "carry-over" services, enabling people who can hear but cannot speak ("hearing carry-over"), or people who cannot hear but are able to speak ("voice carry-over") to use the telephone. - Source: Wikipedia

At Assistech we offer a large selection of TTY telephones. Click here for TTY models and pricing!

Video Conferencing 

Anyone who prefers to make telephone calls using sign language and the Internet can use IP Video Relay Service (IP-VRS). Using a Video Interpreter and web camera you can communicate with voice telephone users in your preferred language, which is most natural for you. It's simple. You sign to the Video Interpreter who voices your conversation to the voice user, then signs the voice user's conversation back to you. Video Interpreters are professionally trained and certified by the National Association of the Deaf (NAD IV & V) or the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID CI-CT-CSC). Also, they are required to follow the NAD/RID Code of Ethics, so your calls are always confidential.

When using IP-VRS, there is no charge for making local or long distance calls anywhere in the world as long as the hearing person communicates in English. Calls to 900/976 services are not permitted through IP-VRS. - Source: IP-Relay.com

Call IP-VRS now

IP Relay Quick Connect

This is the fastest and easiest way to place calls over the Internet. You can connect instantly from your PC, make multiple calls, choose between split or single screen view, even print and save conversations. Calls are free to anywhere in the U.S. - Source: IP-Relay.com

Call IP Relay Quick Connect now

My IP Relay

With IP Relay you can place calls through instant messaging, such as AOL Instant Messenger. This is a simple, easy, and convenient way of connecting through your PC or wireless device (such as Sidekicks). Simply click on My IP Relay and type the phone number. Calls are free to anywhere in the U.S. - Source: IP-Relay.com

Find out how to use My IP Relay

Other deaf communication methods include:

American Sign Language

American Sign Language, also called ASL, is a language of hand gestures and facial expressions that help deaf or hard of hearing individuals communicate with one another. ASL is a system of signing where thoughts and expressions are represented by signs rather than having a sign to represent every word.

ASL is used throughout the United States and in some areas of Canada. Many countries have their own form of sign language, and more often than not, signs from different countries do not resemble each other.

For examples of common ASL phrases, go to ABC's of ASL.

Source: University of Florida

Cued Speech

Cued speech is a sound-based visual communication system. It uses eight different hand shapes in four placements around or near the face and mouth movements to combine the sound of cueing to make the phonemes of the spoken language differ.

Real-Time Captioning

Kieron Smith in "United!", Best Red & Vanessa Ford Productions, Gateway Theatre, Chester, England. Photo by StageText	"To Kill a Mockingbird", Clwyd Thatr Cymru production - Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, England Photo by StageText

 

“Real-time captioning,” also called “computer-assisted real-time translation” (CART) is a fairly new service for communicating with people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The transcriber takes down the speaker's words using either a stenography machine or a computer. Almost immediately, the words appear in text on a screen so the deaf person can “read” what the speaker is saying. This service is useful for people who can read and understand English.

Pen and Paper

When other methods are not readily available, note-taking (or similar variants) may be an option for communicating with the Deaf. The US Department of Justice's website lists examples of oral communication that businesses may use when interacting with their customers:

For short, simple conversations, most businesses can successfully communicate with a customer who is deaf or hard of hearing by using gestures and notes.

For standardized tours and similar activities, businesses can provide a printed transcript of the words that are usually spoken, so the customer can follow along during the tour.

Source: US Department of Justice: Communicating with Customers Who Have Disabilities

By law, US businesses (regardless of size) must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. More about ADA...

At Assistech we provide a complete line of ADA compliant products for your business needs.

Helpful Links:

Methods of Communication with the Deaf (Overview)
Deaf Communication Products
Tips for Communicating with Deaf and HOH People

Assistech: the one-stop solution for all your deaf communication needs!