Well after getting my head around the new job, I thought I'd post. On and off I have been learning NZSL (New Zealand Sign Language). Seeing it was NZ Sign Language week, it got me thinking about how some of the technologies out there could enhance deaf culture and be used to leverage established social connections.
As a hearing person I have no idea if these things would be popular but had some ideas on how non-hearing people could leverage these technologies in their lives....
Deaf people have embraced text and visual mediums such as Facebook, text messaging, video and instant Messaging.
Keeping in touch
Deaf friends (and their hearing friends) could establish a social network using a closed Twitter network (so only friends can follow) to keep in contact anywhere there is data coverage.
On Wi Fi or a mobile device with 3G/data, they could potentially use it as a way to feel connected and stay in touch when in different locations.
With mobile carriers in many countries letting people use twitter on the SMS/Mobile network it would be interesting to see if there would be an uptake.
Media consumption
With a DVD converter that includes subtitles from the original DVD, deaf people could watch movies on a mobile device (e.g. iphone/touch). Its hopeful that some podcasts could include subtitles in the future transcribing audio to speech also.
With larger screen portable devices, reading subtitles would be more practical and comfortable.
Hopefully TIVO, like Freeview NZ will allow subtitles/teletext to be recorded also so people could take TV content with them on the move also.
Theory
With these mediums, all people are not constrained by the desktop computer or TV at home or work to communicate or consume media.
Perhaps there is work out there already on this? I'd be interested in learning about it.
No comments:
Post a Comment