Developments in mobile telecommunications technology to increase access to education for deaf and hard of hearing students

Abstract

Real time verbatim text transcription (Palantype) or sign language interpreting can assist Deaf and hard of hearing students to receive and understand the information that is being spoken in lectures, classes & seminars but depend on the presence of skilled, trained Palantypists or sign language interpreters. Mobile telecommunications technologies can flexibly assist Deaf and hard of hearing students through remote transcription or interpreting which can reduce costs and maximise scarce resources as it can use experts wherever they may be based, can be booked for short periods and does not involve travel costs or time. It does however incur phone charges, needs good quality transmission of the signals and requires two-way communication so students can participate fully in educational activities. This paper reviews the issues involved in the use of mobile telecommunications technology in this way, based on current investigations and trials. Although this paper is concerned with Deaf students, the technology solutions will also be applicable to many deaf people not involved in education. The paper does not discuss other important mobile telecommunications uses such as the use of mobile phones by hearing aid users or the use of mobile telecommunications technology for fire alarms.

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