Hearing Impaired Benefit Greatly By Using Computers

The Hearing Impaired can easily use a personal computer with a few adaptations. All the required elements needed can be located in most any computer store, or in the computer section of department stores. For the deaf the advent of this technology is as if the telephone has just been reinvented. Once they have a computer that works for them, they are able to chat and even call people. The primary input device will be the keyboard, while the output device is the screen and/or printed text.

Neither of these methods needs the user to be able to hear. A TDD machine (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) is a device that works by displaying text for the hearing impaired and also allows them to communicate using a keyboard. TDDs usually do not work with computers, but there are some companies coming out with translation software for them. Most computer users don't purchase this software unless they are close to a person who is hearing impaired.

I utilized the TDD program to hold a discussion with a deaf individual, and I inquired them about their condition. The man lost his hearing when he was 3 years old. At that time, he focused on learning to read print so his ability to use language remained intact. He uses the computer programs to communicate with other individuals without having to write letters or read lips. He has the ability to conduct phone interviews, like I am. His knowledge and experience with TDD is growing daily because he calls his wife everyday for updates and is able to reserve a motel and make travel arrangements using his TDD.

Most hearing individuals are not aware of the importance of TDDs to the hearing impaired. This in no way lessons their impact on the world, they were a massive step forwards for the deaf in the realm of communications. However the microcomputer is the next big step. Do you truly believe that TDDs are needed for deaf individuals with their own computers?

He told me that currently it is hard to get computers to communicate with TDDs. One obstacle is the special software and hardware that is required. Because people have a problem making changes, TDDs are going to remain around for a long time still. It's hard for them to get used to spending more time on the microcomputer. The TDD is much cheaper, costing $200 or even less than that.

What should a hearing impaired person hope to find in a computer, and do they need to be aware of any required specifications? Other than what a normal person needs in order to go online, I can't think of any. Is there anything in particular that the deaf or friends of the deaf should keep in mind when finding a computer? One thing would be that buying the modem should be the first peripheral, even before getting printer. I also recommend to buy a lap top computer, one that is affordable, as a first computer or their only computer.

If there is ever some kind of emergency they need help with, they could attempt a CB call to see if someone could call for them. It might take some convincing that the situation is not a joke, but it is possible. There has been talk of certain networks of bulletin boards that have been set up in some cities as experiments. This will act as a bridge to gap computers and TDDs, and also provides a wealth of information including an emergency phone center.

There are speech synthesizers available for the laptop, but I don't have enough information about them to continue. Maybe someday a synthesizer could be connected to a phone. However, the deaf person using this would not know if someone had answered or what their reply was. Because deaf people are not disabled in a way that can hold them back from using a PC, the job market for the deaf in regards to working on computers is growing each day. 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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