Communication for the deaf is really difficult. The deaf and hard of hearing can oftentimes feel isolated if they are cannot communicate. This kind of feeling is usually taken for granted by hearing people.
However, technology nowadays has developed ways to improve people’s life including the deaf. Thanks to technology, the telephone for the deaf was invented. This has dramatically changed the social interaction and communication of the deaf community.
Two technology for the deaf are being used now.
- Textphone. This is so simple to use. The deaf plugs a minicom, turn the phone and dial the phone number. Then he types the message to be relayed on the keyboard. Coded abbreviations are used to indicate some of the pauses in the conversation, including letters to designate if the person calling paused for a response or has terminated the call. If the deaf person wants to make a call to a person without minicom, they can use a relay service. This interprets the minicom and the person at the other end of the telephone line.
- Videotelephony is the latest innovation for the deaf communication. The deaf person can see a sign language interpreter on the videophone. A webcam can be used instead. Common interpretation of the conversation, using the standard signing by the person making the appeal and the respondent at the other end. It is also possible to use the method via videophone mounted cameras. This version of the phone for the deaf textphone offers easier and faster conversation. Some countries, including America and Australia have set the cost of such services at the standard rate per minute for calls.