Technology for Communication Access – Resources available through UAA DSS

The Interpretype (ITY) consists of a pre-programmed laptop style device which has the ability to send and display typed messages to other ITY devices or a computer. It also gives users the ability to capture and print conversations if desired. Student Affairs has purchased and placed several of these devices in key locations such as at the University Center. In addition, DSS has placed a device in the Consortium Library at the Reference Desk. Although the Interpretype will be able to provide a reaasonable option for unplanned meetings, it is still typically preferable to arrange for communication access via American Sign Language Interpreters when a meeting is scheduled in adavance.

The UbiDuo is a portable, wireless, battery-powered, stand-alone communication device that facilitates simultaneous face to face communication by means of two displays and two keyboards. The UbiDuo has been purchased by DSS and is available through our Lending Library for short term loans. The UbiDuo is a wireless system that is perfect for semi-spontaneous meetings, for example when students want to stop by and borrow the devices to bring to a meeting after class. The UbiDuo has a long battery life and the devices are lightweight which means they work well for outings or other types of events in which students may be on the go.

A TTY (teletypewriter) is a device that allows deaf, hard-of-hearing, or speech impaired people to communicate over the phone with another TTY user by keying in responses and reading what the other person types back. Several offices on the UAA campus have TTY as well as Voice listings and need to be able to respond to a TTY call. DSS has a video called Using Your TTY that can be viewed for training purposes. DSS can also schedule individualized training sessions and/or place test calls.

Text Messaging and Email are popular mainstream options for many Deaf/HOH individuals.

Alaska Relay is a confidential service that is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a week to provide telephone accessibility to people who are deaf, hard-of-hearing or speech-disabled. There are no restrictions on the number of calls made or the length of each call. Calls can be initiated by dialing 711. Relay Alaska accommodates TTY users, voice users, Voice Carry Over users (VCO), Hearing Carry Over users (HCO) and computer (ASCII) Call Processing.

A Sorenson Videophone is a stand-alone videophone that works with a television and broadband Internet connection. It has a flashing light that can be used instead of a ringer to signal incoming calls. Users can sign directly with another deaf person or with a Sorenson interpreter. The interpreter can read the deaf user's signing while simultaneously translating and speaking to the telephone user, and vice versa.

Remote ASL Interpreting is provided when it is impossible to arrange for live Interpreters. In the classroom, this arrangement requires that the student have a laptop with an internet connection. A webcam allows what is happening in the classroom to be shared in realtime with Interpreters in the lower 48. The Interpreters are listening to what is happening in the classroom with a setup that also has a camera. This allows them to interpret for the student.

CART stands for Communication Access Realtime Translation and is similar to what a court reporter provides. The system requires a steno machine. For classroom applications there is typically a monitor for the student to view the transcript on, and for performances there may be a projector and large screen. Because of the specialized hardware and long training time this accommodation can be harder to put in place, however, when a word-for-word transcript is essential, this is the best approach. A remote connection can also be established (as described above).

TypeWell Transcribing is a communication access tool that helps many individuals participate more fully by giving them access to what others are saying. With TypeWell, a hearing transcriber uses abbreviation software to type what is being spoken by instructors and students. The meaning-for-meaning transcript is sent via a wireless link to a second laptop that is viewed by a student who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing. The student can read the typed transcript as the class is unfolding. The student can also type back messages for the transcriber to voice if that assistance is also needed.

An FM Listening system is a portable wireless listening system. In academic settings, it typically requires that the professor wear a microphone and transmitter that sends his or her voice to the student’s receiver which then sends the amplified sound to earphones or a neck loop that works with students’ hearing aids. This kind of device can work well for some students who are Hard of Hearing. DSS has several of these devices that can be loaned out.

The Pocketalker is a portable device that works by amplifying sound picked up through a microphone and sending it straight to earbuds or a neck loop that works in conjunction with hearing aids. This type of device is often most appropriate for individuals who want a self-contained unit and don’t want to have to ask a speaker to wear a microphone or in settings that have multliple speakers such as seminar style courses or forums/meetings. A challenge can be that the system will amplify all sound, not just the sound of the speakers’ voices.

Strobe alarms and other measures are used on campus and within housing to ensure that Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals are able to respond appropriately in case of emergency.

Contact:Disability Support Services www.uaa.alaska.edu 907-786-4530