A deaf individual should probably use a personal computer. The only things you need to do this are found in any store that specializes in computer parts and software. This is wonderful for the hearing impaired, as it gives a new means of communication. Now people are able to call anybody who has their own computer, chat room, monitor and keyboard. The way they are getting the information from the other end is the computer screen, and the way they are inputting information is with a keyboard.
Since they are both visual stimuli, it won’t matter that the person is deaf. TDDs are machines that have been used for ages to help the deaf communicate, and they offer a single line of text and are also available with a small printer. TDDs will not work with most computers, but there are some software programs that are available. The issue with this is almost all computer owners avoid purchasing this application unless they have a family member or friend with deafness.
I utilized the TDD program to hold a discussion with a deaf individual, and I inquired them about their condition. His response was that he educated himself on how to read print immediately at the age of three when his hearing disappeared; now, for the first time, he has the means to interact with people of normal hearing capacity through lip reading and writing to them in letters. We were able to hold this conversation on a TDD. As his experience with TDDs grows, it’s easier than ever for him to exchange information with his wife and carry on important business that he couldn’t otherwise do.
For somebody like me however a TDD does not play much of a role in my life, as you can imagine it is only the hearing impaired or people who often communicate with somebody who has hearing difficulty that will use these devices. It is easy to overlook the fact that the TDDs were the first step from a silent world to clearer communication for many hearing impaired individuals. Are TDDs necessary for the hearing impaired who also own computers?
At this time, computers and TDDs have a difficult time communicating. It’s required to have special software and hardware. It’s going to be a while before TDDs are no longer used because people have a hard time becoming accustomed to change. Spending more on a micro leaves the hesitant. It’s also cheaper to buy a TDD at less than $200.
So what should a deaf person be looking for in a computer and what kind of special requirements are required? There’s really nothing special they may need in a computer besides internet access. Is there any additional information or message concerning computers that you’d like to pass on to deaf readers, or their friends? The main thing they should keep in mind is that the modem is most important, even more so than the printer. Would also make the suggestion they check into laptops, and go with whatever the best price is for them, as their first or the only computer they have.
If ever there is an emergency, they can use the CB to ask for assistance in making a voice call. This is somewhat theoretical, as it might be difficult to convince the other CBers that it was a serious situation, not just a prank. Word has it that in various cities, an experiment is being conducted by setting up a network of bulletin boards, which seems more practical. This sort of effort can bridge that gap between TDDs and computers, as well act as a clearing house for information and emergency phone center.
There are speech synthesizers available for the laptop, but I don’t have enough information about them to continue. If they work well, it wouldn’t be a far reach to think the synthesizer could attach to a phone. The problem is, when will the person who is hearing impaired know if there is an answer, and what is being said in reply? The job market for computer skilled people is growing consistently and fast for the hearing impaired, and it’s because they have the skills required such as typing and the ability to see. Some of the best jobs for someone who is hearing impaired would be data processing, programming, or word processing, where there is no need for phone interaction.
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