Deafx

UbiVia is a new form of communication that is faster than instant messaging (IM) or SMS. sComm announces beta testing of new and revolutionary cellular text communication technology Live Mobile Text allows faster live dialogue with patented split-screen Raytown, Missouri – July 7, 2010 – sComm, developer and manufacturer of UbiDuo, the face-to-face communicator, announced the UbiVia, the next generation of cellular text communication on smartphones. Beta testing of the new product was launched at the National Association of the Deaf conference, taking place this week in Philadelphia, PA and will be offered exclusively to BlackBerry® smartphone users to start. The UbiVia, which is downloaded on smartphones, allows users at both ends of the conversation to read what each other types in live real-time, on a split-screen display. This results in faster and simultaneous conversations, eliminating the need to take turns talking or wait for a response from the other person. This ...

[DEAF411]  T-Mobile released recently the latest Sidekick model, the “Sidekick LX 2009”. It is the first Sidekick model to have 3G and YouTube mobile access. It is the thinnest Sidekick to date but it doesn’t sacrifice anything to “get there” Sidekick LX 2009 has new features and enhancements that makes T-Mobile’s latest Sidekick the most amazing model to date – it is obvious T-Mobile listened to consumers and improved it even further. It is now even more accommodating to needs of deaf consumers – making it very deaf-friendly. What’s new or better? This model is larger – and thinner. It has a larger keyboard, a larger 3.2 inch display screen with clearer, sharper and brighter images. The built-in camera is now 3.2 megapixels with auto focus and flash. Video recording and playback was added to Sidekick 2008, and is continued on this model. Now with the 3G capability, Sidekick LX 2009 will switch to 3G whenever 3G coverage is available (T-Mobile is still building ou ...

[DEAF411] If you are like me, we can’t live without the videophone – “deafinitely” a huge improvement over the TTY!  Setting up a videophone device - or webcam - for videophone communication is relatively easier to do nowadays as more people become familiar with it.  The installers or representatives from the VRS providers are also very helpful! If you are set up to make videophone calls, you know what kind of challenges you have: how to get clear picture, adequate lighting, and what clothes to use.  Are you doing everything possible to make yourself easy for the other person, or a Video Interpreter, to follow you during video conversations? The second report from “Deaf Living Solution” series called “Make Videophone Calls like a Champ” is informative.  Posted on the Deaf411Online website, this brief 5-minute video is chockfull of information.  Deaf411 announcer Alexandria Wailes says four areas should be addressed for smooth videophone conversations: environment, ...

[Deaf411] Are the cities we live in doing a good job for deaf people? Should we be satisfied with our lives, or can our lives be better? Should we speak out, fight discrimination and demand improvements? As deaf people, we try to get along with the hearing world. But does the hearing world try to get along with us? This should be a two-way street; the hearing world should also work with us! Deaf411 asked people to rate the cities they live in, and has released a report listing cities that ranked highly as deaf-friendly cities. This online report, called “Deaf Friendly Cities in the U.S.,” outlines what makes these cities different from others. Top Cities in U.S. The online report is based on survey responses from thousands of deaf people. The report identifies top cities in four regions of the U.S. and also includes in-depth reports on four cities. The in-depth reports are interesting reading, with an overview on the city, deaf businesses, deaf events, and the role of deaf ...

[DEAF411] We all live in a fast-paced audio world. Being deaf means we have to figure out, keep track and watch out for sounds that hearing people take for granted. Missing your friend’s phone call or a delivery that you are expecting, waiting for and really need for example, can really be frustrating! You know you need a device or equipment that lets you know when your phone or doorbell is ringing. But which equipment is suitable for your needs? Like other technology, you soon realize there are many factors you need to consider. Shopping for a visual alerting system is tough. With many different types and kinds of visual alerting devices, what choices do you have, how they work, and how do you decide which one suits your living and/or employment setup? A new video report released by Deaf411 announcer Carmen King provides helpful information for a deaf consumer on what to consider when looking for visual alerting equipment. This report, “Living in an Audio World”, is part of the ...

[DEAF411] – Just as hearing people have many phone models, calling plans and options to choose from, deaf users also have many options when choosing wireless devices, also known as pagers, and calling plans that are deaf-friendly. Deaf users may qualify for a free wireless device with the help of a rebate, special offer or purchase one at a low cost. An unlimited data plan is a key factor and is more attractive to deaf users when it comes to selecting a calling plan from a wireless provider. When a deaf user is looking for a wireless device, an important aspect to consider is selecting a monthly calling plan with a wireless service provider that understands what deaf users need. A wide variety of certain brands may require use of a specific wireless service provider. Reviewing which plan is economical is important because there are costs that may be overlooked. For example, a monthly calling plan can include charges for both voice and text usage. We recommend an unlimited data plan ...

[DEAF411] - The latest release of T-Mobile’s new Sidekick 2008 on July 28th as an “all-in-one” communication device with many upgraded features is enough to spark interest in the deaf community, most notably being able to record, playback, and send video e-mails! The T-Mobile Sidekick 2008 is an upgraded version of the Sidekick LX, based on consumer feedback, to include a high resolution screen and camera, strengthened Instant Messaging (“IM”) interface, with three IM client options and group chat capabilities. Its 2 mega pixel camera has the highest resolution ever on Sidekick with a 400 x 240 WQVGA display. The high quality pictures allow you to enlarge or print higher quality photos. Video capability allows for recording and playback of brief video segments, supporting 3GP and MP4 video attachment formats. These video upgrades now make it possible to shoot a short ASL video at any event and send it to family or friends! Rather than using a digital camera to plug into your ...

Can we use the Internet as a solution to living in deaf-friendly environment? With the Internet becoming a common household ?must-have? in homes, Americans spend about 15.3 hours per week online. More Americans now work at home and earn a living, thanks to the Internet. Studies also show that Americans spend 24 minutes shopping online on average. How does these statistics differ for deaf and hard of hearing Americans? Deaf Cyberspace Ideally, deaf people should live in a city with many resources and options to make the town very accessible and comfortable. With the Internet, the communication barriers are reduced significantly. It is accessible to all parts of society ? race, cultural and special interests. In general, any website can be translated into other languages and even be blind-friendly. Socializing on the Internet is even possible! Popularity of social networking sites are still spreading among the deaf community. Already popular in the hearing community, these sites especia ...

[DEAF411] Researching and finding the right city to live is challenging and exciting at the same time! Collecting good information will help get a feeling if your life in the new city will be what you expect ? and if the city can deliver on your expectations and needs. It makes it easier to reach a calculated decision. First you start off with the same information that hearing people consider: transportation. Study the city?s map. Where are the key places ? job, school, stores, etc? Study how far the city is from other cities. Is it a good location? Is it accessible? Is it cost-effective? After studying the map and transportation options, look at weather reports to see average temperatures throughout the year. Look for websites with useful information on jobs, recreation, regulations, commerce, and other information on the city. Does the city have tourist attractions, recreation, and cultural activities? Researching websites can bring you more information on what makes the city attrac ...

[DEAF411] Jobs have big influence on where people live. Searching for a job is neither easy nor fun. This task is even more stressful for a deaf person. Employers try to avoid hiring deaf people because their knowledge is limited and they prefer to avoid something that they are not familiar with comfortable with. They may have preconceived thoughts that accommodating deaf people and providing interpreters are expensive. Employers need to be educated and motivated in order to consider hiring deaf people. We can find ways to motivate them through federal tax credits and state/local programs. When employers hire more deaf people, the bigger the deaf community is. With more deaf people using, requesting and needing services from their local municipal governments, there is more awareness about providing interpreters and accommodations to enable deaf people to benefit from services, programs and activities that the city offers. When researching a new city, it may help to collect information ...