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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
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
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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
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“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 products that are
ADA compliant.
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!
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