Handheld
Text Devices Helping Hearing Impaired
by Rich
Diedrichsen
Cell phones,
computers and email – it seems like everyone
is using them today. Yes, everyone. People who are deaf are using
computers and small handheld Short Messaging Services (SMS) devices
to bridge communication gaps and expand their opportunities.
Several years ago the first handheld instant messaging device called
the WyndTel Communicator was introduced to the market for people
who are deaf. The WyndTel offered the possibility to have text message
communications (also called Short messaging Services or SMS) between
users with almost cell-phone-like convenience. The explosion in communication
was on. Almost overnight people who were deaf, and lived in large
metro areas with coverage for the device, began reaching for their
WyndTel communication devices as regularly as people with normal
hearing were reaching for their cell phones. Manufacturers took notice.
Soon Motorola, T-Mobile and others introduced handheld SMS devices.
In addition, many of the new, more advanced cell phones now offer
text messaging capabilities.
Diane Leonard, a deaf
professional who works in St. Cloud, uses a T-Mobile Sidekick device.
Says Leonard, “it is very helpful
for contacting friends or family members.” I can contact people
and tell them “what time I will get home or arrive to my friend’s
late, get directions if I get lost, get quicker responses from my
TTY answering machine, compare prices at different stores, and much
more.” In other words, she uses her Sidekick just like others
use cell phones.
But that’s not all!
With the popularity of the SMS devices growing, manufacturers began
to add features much like we find in many of the newer cell phones.
The Sidekick device, for example, can be used to play games, check
email, browse the World Wide Web and read the latest news and weather.
In addition, the device can tell you what time it is, take photos,
keep your calendar and addresses organized and yes, it works as
a cell phone too.
One feature that Leonard especially likes is the ability to tap
into the internet relay services of either IP Relay or Sprint. Wherever
her Sidekick will work, she can contact anyone who has a line or
cell phone and with the help of the relay service, communicate! For
people who are deaf or have severe hearing or speech limitations,
this means they have the safety and security of knowing that in an
emergency, help is just a few key strokes away. Cheryl Blue, another
deaf professional who works in Northern Minnesota, says she has AAA
service and in an emergency she can contact them with her SMS device
using the Minnesota Relay Service.
The SMS units are not without disadvantages though. In many areas,
even a few miles outside large metro areas, there is no coverage.
Even some areas that offer cellular phone coverage do not have coverage
for text message users. Cheryl Blue notes that except for the area
along highway 53 from Duluth to Virginia, most of her region does
not offer SMS service. This is unfortunate since everyday communication
and emergencies do not tend to confine themselves to any geographical
boundaries. Surprisingly, this situation is different in most of
Europe and even far away places like Australia where coverage is
much broader, reaching to even the most remote areas.
Blue did note however that the device allows her to keep in touch
with friends and family when she travels. During her recent experience
with a hurricane in Florida, she was able to keep in touch with family
regarding her safety. Like Leonard she feels the benefits of the
device far exceed any limitations, but she looks forward to the day
when she will be able to use the device anywhere, anytime.
With the popularity of the devices and the potential advantages
they offer to people who travel on business or to professionals who
just want to keep in touch, the day of world-wide coverage cannot
be too far into the future. For people who are deaf or have speech
limitations, access to communication means access to the world of
opportunities.
