Comcast Data Caps Make Life For Deaf Difficult

Deaf News: Comcast's data usage caps may be a hindrance to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.

PHILADELPHIA -- It’s hard to find a Comcast Internet customer who doesn’t loathe the idea of the company’s forthcoming data usage limits, but usage caps may prove particularly painful to one group: the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.



Comcast’s data usage caps for its Internet customers will expand to eight more cities Tuesday. The caps limit users to 300GB of data monthly, with the alternative of facing fines or paying a steeper rate to get unlimited access.



And unlimited access is especially crucial for many in the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community who use Video Relay Service, or VRS, to conduct phone calls. The calls are facilitated using a sign language interpreter on the other end - and that requires an Internet video feed.



“It’s really important to the Deaf community because it provides visual communication,” said Dan Hoffman, the American Sign Language and Deaf Studies program coordinator for Utah Valley University.



VRS does not use that much data - 5-10 megabits per second, according to Sorenson VRS, one of the leading VRS companies - but that adds up when you're also using your connection for normal browsing.



“Hearing people can call using their phones any time they want to…they don’t have any cap like that,” said Hoffman, who is Deaf and also a Comcast customer.



For Hoffman and others in the Deaf community, equal access means that if hearing people can communicate without time limits using telephones, that the Deaf community ought to be able to also. He said rather than pay Comcast's steeper rates for unlimited use, many Deaf people would simply transfer services if a cap were in place.



The Federal Communications Commission does have protections in place to ensure the adequate provision of telecommunications services to the Deaf community, but from a cursory read, it is unclear if capping VRS use is an Americans with Disabilities Act violation. The communications agency was not able to comment on the story. Source

Why Deaf Refugees Need Sign Language ?

VIDEO [CC] - Why Deaf refugees need Sign Language in Sweden and Europe?



Alex Stensholm who is Deaf from Sweden, the video is an account of what happened at the central train station in Malmö, Sweden, when he found two Deaf refugees wandering around and claimed that they did not have access to a communication service for Deaf who fleeing to Europe from the Syria's civil war.

To activate this feature, press the "CC" button.

Sorry in advance if his international sign language isn't as clear as usual - and also the english subtitles. Subscribe - https://youtube.com/channel/alexstensholm



Related:

Stories of Deaf Syrian Refugees in Germany

One-Eyed Deaf Man Fights With The Syrian Army

Deaf Army Rebel In The Syrian Civil War

Deaf Militants Releases ISIS Propaganda Video

ISIS Using Sign Language To Recruit Deaf Terrorists

Deaf Woman Sues NYPD For Wrongly Arrested

VIDEO [CC] - Exclusive Interviews: Deaf woman arrested by NYPD settles case against city for $750,000.



NEW YORK CITY - A Deaf woman who said she was wrongly arrested by cops who ignored her disability settled her case for $750,000 Tuesday, a figure her attorneys say is the largest of its kind.



Diana Williams charged in her suit filed in Manhattan Federal Court that the New York City Police Department officers who slapped her in cuffs ignored police guidelines requiring them to request a sign language interpreter when interacting with Deaf people.



“Deaf individuals have rights, and they do not have to tolerate discrimination and injustices of any kind,” her attorneys Andrew Rozynski and Eric Baum said in a statement.



“Ms. Williams hopes that the settlement will send a message to all law enforcement agencies across the country that they should adopt proper policies and procedures to ensure full communication access for Deaf individuals.”

Two New Yorkers who can't hear or speak and communicate only by sign language claim they were wrongly arrested by NYPD officers in two separate incidents.



Williams’ ordeal began Sept. 11, 2011, when she called 911 for assistance evicting a difficult tenant from her Staten Island home.



Most of the people in the house were Deaf, but cops allegedly ignored training requiring them to request an interpreter.



Without being able to explain to Williams what was happening, Officer Christian Romano arrested her and the tenant for allegedly getting in a fight, and for the next 24 hours police ignored her attempts to communicate, the suit said.



Williams was so panicked she even wrote the letters “HOSP” on the window of a police cruiser in an effort to tell them she needed to go to the hospital, the suit says.



Romano checked the “No” box on the arrest report asking if an interpreter was needed, according to documents. He later checked “No” on different paperwork asking if Williams had a disability.



Williams’ attorneys, who run the Eisenberg and Baum Law Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, said they believe their client has received the largest payout ever to an individual alleging Deaf discrimination by a public agency. A Deaf advocate at the firm, Sheryl Eisenberg-Michalowski, also worked on the case.



“Settling was in the best interest of the city,” a Law Department spokesman said. Source by New York Daily News

The Power of Sign Language

VIDEO [CC] - The Power of Sign Language - Human Rights Watch: Deaf children have a right to a quality education, like all other children, in a language and environment that maximizes their potential. Sign language is critical for Deaf people to be able to communicate, express themselves, and learn.



SYDNEY, AU – Deaf children have a right to a quality education, like all other children, in a language and environment that maximizes their potential. In a video released on October 18, 2013, in conjunction with a global conference in Sydney on equality for Deaf people, Human Rights Watch shows some of the challenges faced by Deaf children and young people, and the opportunities sign language education offers them.



Worldwide, Deaf children and young people are often denied an education, including in sign language. There is a lack of teachers well-trained in sign language, and in many cases parents do not know that their children have a right to go to school and that they can learn if only given the opportunity.



“Sign language is critical for Deaf people to be able to communicate, express themselves, and learn,” said Shantha Rau Barriga, disability rights director at Human Rights Watch. “Depriving Deaf people of the opportunity to learn sign language can condemn them to devastating isolation.”

Hundreds of Deaf people, their families, government officials, and disability experts have gathered in Sydney for a major conference on October 16-18 organized by the World Federation of the Deaf.



Human Rights Watch documented cases of Deaf children and young people in Nepal, China, and northern Uganda who were denied their right to education in sign language. Some Deaf children and young people interviewed did not attend school at all. Teachers and parents often have the misconception that Deaf children lack the intellectual capacity to learn.



A Deaf teacher featured in the video told Human Rights Watch: “Our disability only affects our hearing, not our minds. A Deaf child’s mind is as good as a hearing child’s mind.” ... Read more: http://www.hrw.org/news/2013/10/17/offer-deaf-children-education-sign-language

Microsoft's Kinect Turns Sign Language Translator

VIDEO [CC] - Microsoft uses Kinect to interpret sign language. Should the team's efforts reach commercialization, it could have a big effect on the world's Deaf population.



PCWorld - Microsoft’s Kinect technology, already adept at reading hand and body movements, is incorporating sign language into its motion-sensing vocabulary as part of a new research project meant to help the Deaf.



Developers at Microsoft Research have been using the Xbox 360 gaming peripheral to read sign language from Deaf users, and translate it into spoken text. On Wednesday, they showed off some of the results. “Thanks Microsoft for turning my dream into a reality,” gestured Yin Dandan, a deaf student, who demonstrated the Kinect translator.



The technology can not only turn sign language into words spoken by a computer, but also do the reverse. A non-Deaf user can speak or type words into the Kinect translator. The system will then motion the words in sign language using a virtual avatar shown on a display.

Microsoft Research demonstrated the technology as it celebrated the 15th year of its Asia division. language translation has been among one of its focuses and already researchers there have developed software that can artificially replicate a person’s voice, and have it speak other languages, including Chinese.



At the same time, the company has been promoting the use of Kinect among software developers in China, said Wu Guobin, a Microsoft Research program manager. The gadget has proven to be an ideal motion-sensing device for the Chinese Academy of Sciences, which has long been researching sign language recognition technology. ... Read more: http://www.pcworld.com/article/2059880/microsoft-uses-kinect-to-interpret-sign-language-from-deaf-people.html

Deaf Students Break Language Barriers

VIDEO: Auslan Version - Deaf students break language barriers in Australia.



When Heidi Beasley-Ellich sits her written VCE exams this month - whether in media studies or further maths or textiles - she will read the questions in English and write her answers in English, too.



This would not pose a problem were it not for the fact English is not Heidi's first language, because she is profoundly Deaf.



Heidi attends Forest Hill College in Burwood East, which helps Deaf children enter mainstream education by providing them with in-class resources including real-time captioning and interpreters.



Facility manager Amanda Purcell, winner of a 2013 Victorian Teacher of the Year award, believes passionately in the learning system but not the rigid form of assessment that puts Heidi and others at a major disadvantage.



''Say they've been learning and absorbing VCE biology for two years in Auslan,'' Ms Purcell said. ''It defeats the purpose of allowing them to learn the subject in their first language if you're going to assess them in their second language.''

Ms Purcell returned this month from a research trip to Scotland, where exams for the Deaf work differently. There, an interpreter signs each question to a Deaf student, and the student signs their answer while being filmed.



''The interpreter will then watch the film, and translate everything that the student signed into English,'' she said. ''That's what goes off to be assessed. And that's what I'm really hoping to get here.''



Ms Purcell is compiling an options paper for the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority based on her consultation with researchers and curriculum authorities abroad.



''Over there, Deaf students are getting scores that are indicative of what they know and what they can do, rather than their English level. And they're going on to careers in engineering and chemistry, where here they might not get the score required.'' ... Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/deaf-students-break-language-barriers-20131027-2w9si.html

Human Rights Watch: Deaf Children Education in Sign Language

VIDEO [CC] - Human Rights Watch: Offer Deaf Children Education in Sign Language. Sign language is critical for Deaf people to be able to communicate, express themselves, and learn.



SYDNEY, AU – Deaf children have a right to a quality education, like all other children, in a language and environment that maximizes their potential. In a video released on October 18, 2013, in conjunction with a global conference in Sydney on equality for Deaf people, Human Rights Watch shows some of the challenges faced by Deaf children and young people, and the opportunities sign language education offers them.



Worldwide, Deaf children and young people are often denied an education, including in sign language. There is a lack of teachers well-trained in sign language, and in many cases parents do not know that their children have a right to go to school and that they can learn if only given the opportunity.



“Sign language is critical for Deaf people to be able to communicate, express themselves, and learn,” said Shantha Rau Barriga, disability rights director at Human Rights Watch. “Depriving Deaf people of the opportunity to learn sign language can condemn them to devastating isolation.”



Hundreds of Deaf people, their families, government officials, and disability experts have gathered in Sydney for a major conference on October 16-18 organized by the World Federation of the Deaf.

Human Rights Watch documented cases of Deaf children and young people in Nepal, China, and northern Uganda who were denied their right to education in sign language. Some Deaf children and young people interviewed did not attend school at all. Teachers and parents often have the misconception that Deaf children lack the intellectual capacity to learn.



A Deaf teacher featured in the video told Human Rights Watch: “Our disability only affects our hearing, not our minds. A Deaf child’s mind is as good as a hearing child’s mind.” ... Read more: http://www.hrw.org/news/2013/10/17/offer-deaf-children-education-sign-language

Deaf Relay Service Parody

VIDEO [CC] - Deaf relay at your service parody



An inside look at the high-tech critical communication service provided to Deaf citizens so they can access any service in an uncensored environment. Directors: Jeanette Castillo, Diane Wilkins.

Founded in 1977, Frameline is the nation's only nonprofit organization solely dedicated to the funding, exhibition, distribution and promotion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender media arts.



Frameline Voices is a new digital initiative that showcases diverse LGBT stories and expands access to films by and about people of color, transgender people, youth, and elders. More information: http://frameline.org

Source

Deaf Newcomers Signed O' Canada in ASL

VIDEO [CC] - Deaf Newcomers Signed O' Canada in American Sign Language. New program helps Deaf newcomers to Canada.



LONDON, Ontario - CTV News - Many newcomers to Canada and to London have challenges communicating in our city. But imagine the the challenge for those who don't understand English and who are also Deaf.



It's a huge barrier, that was closed with a celebration on Wednesday. The first participants in the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program were on hand for the official launch of the program supporting them.



Operated by the Canadian Hearing Society, with the support of government agencies and a local church, it was created due to a growing need in London.



While the number of Deaf and sign language-challenged immigrants in our city remains small - those here - often feel greatly isolated.

The Canadian Hearing Society launched new LINC program in London, Ontario to assist newcomers who are Deaf, deafened or hard of hearing . As part of the program launch and in celebration of International Week of the Deaf, students in the inaugural LINC program signed "O Canada" in American Sign Language (ASL).



While the number of Deaf and sign language-challenged immigrants in our city remains small - those here - often feel greatly isolated.



One participant in the new program spoke to us through an interpreters about his intial experience in the Forest City. Unable to speak English or French, or understand North American Sign Language, he admits it was frightening. ... Read more story

Manitoba Deaf Athletes To Get More Sign Language Help

Deaf News: Manitoba Deaf athletes to get more sign language help. Province to spend up to $40K a year for interpreters following human rights complaint.



CBC WINNIPEG - The father of a Deaf athlete from Winnipeg says he is pleased to hear Manitoba will now be providing interpreters to help other deaf players communicate.



The Manitoba government will set aside up to $40,000 a year to help Deaf children participating in amateur sport communicate with their teammates, coaches and game officials, following a human rights complaint.



Two parents of Deaf children initially approached the Manitoba Human Rights Commission complaining that lack of money for sign language services made it harder for some Deaf children to participate in sports.



The parents said the lack of interpretive services meant their children couldn't participate fully in sports, develop leadership skills and have the same advantages as their peers.



One of the complainants, Rick Zimmer, says his son, Cody, wanted to play soccer but couldn't because there was no interpreter available for him and other Deaf players. ... Read more story.



Related Articles:

VIDEO: Manitoba increasing funding for deaf athletes after human rights complaint-ctvnews.

VIDEO: Young, Deaf athletes get a sporting chance-winnipegfreepress.com

Deaf athletes to get more sign language help-globalnews



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Deaf Rights In Middle East

VIDEO Signed - Deaf Rights in Arabic and English Subtitles.



A Short film that demonstrates the difficulties the Deaf people faces om every aspect of life in the middle east countries.

فيلم قصير - حقوق الصم والبكم



فيلم قصير يحكي مجموعه من الصعوبات التي بواجهها الصم والبكم في عدد من مجالات الحياة.

Deaf411: 'Deaf-Friendly Cities In The United States

VIDEO: [ASL/CC] - Deaf411 releases "Deaf-Friendly Cities in the United States" report.



NEW YORK CITY - Deaf411 announcer Christine Kim announces availability of an online report, "Deaf-Friendly Cities in the United States", and outlines how the Deaf411 team researched and compiled this report. This free report can be viewed by signing up at http://www.deaf411.com/index.php?/deaf-friendly-cities/sign-up.

Let Deaf411 handle your customized marketing solutions and strategies that meet your needs. We work with organizations, businesses, government or service agencies to communicate with Deaf Americans.



Deaf consumers have buying power and surf online for resources and information to make informed decisions. Provide you with over four decades of experience in public relations, marketing, project management and business consulting.



Let us apply our hands-on experiences through specialized marketing strategies targeted at Deaf consumers. Visit official website: www.deaf411.com

Future Of Electronic Devices For The Deaf

VIDEO: Expected in future of technology devices for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals have various abilities to communicate, relate to, and access their world.



We see a world where communication is open and transparent. A world where every Deaf person can interact freely with others. It's not simply a far-fetched dream, it's our vision for the future.



The technology devices can support, change or modify an individual's ability to succeed at tasks that they otherwise may not be able to accomplish.

Share our Vision, Make it a Reality.

It's why Communication Service for the Deaf, Inc. (CSD) exists, and why we come to work every single day. CSD has always belonged to the community, and this vision belongs to you.



For more, visit www.c-s-d.org/innovations and share our vision.



Educational Technology Access:

Gallaudet Technology Services (GTS) www.gallaudet.edu/gts.html

The Technology Access Program (TAP) tap.gallaudet.edu

The Information Technology (IT) www.gallaudet.edu/information_technology.html

The NTID Center on Access Technology (CAT) www.ntid.rit.edu/cat

Technology & Information Services (TIS) www.ntid.rit.edu/tis

'Sign Language is Strength' Demonstration in Berlin

VIDEO [International Sign] - On 14 June 2013 held in Berlin a demo action sign language and rally. About 10,000 Deaf people protested in Berlin for equal rights and participation in the German society at by the Federal Parliament (Reichstag building). Deaf Germans call on politicians to implement all necessary accessibility! Germans demand the full recognition, German sign language in all areas.

In Berlin, on 14 June 2013 about 10,000 mostly Deaf people from all over the West for your rights and accessibility demonstrated by sign language. The demonstration route ran from the Reichstag to the vicinity of Checkpoint Charlie on Friedrichstrasse. Mel Riot reported.

25 years ago, on 17 June 1988 the European Parliament decided that the respective national sign language should be recognized as full-fledged language in all Member States of the European Community. Due to the prolonged struggle of the Deaf community and the support of many politicians the respective sign language is now recognized in most countries of the European Union and the Deaf fellow citizens have the right of access to information in their native language. However, there are still countries where the national sign language is not recognized, and in Germany there are still many situations in which Deaf people, despite the recognition of sign language, equal access to institutions of public life is denied.

With the demonstration of "action sign language" grab those affected exactly this topic, and want to show that the German sign language even though she is 11 years officially recognized in Germany, is not yet considered in all aspects as a matter of course. Deaf people encounter still many barriers and there are big differences in quality of the services for hearing-impaired people.



An example of this is the education in which the foundation for the further development opportunities and hard of hearing children is fixed. For the school, it is very important for children and young people that they are taught by teachers who are their sign language skills at a sufficiently high level. This can only ensure the fewest educational institutions so far unfortunately. Fact: Deaf children and young people are still not self-evident taught sign language.

The Walking Deaf 14.06.2013 Demonstration in Berlin, Germany.

Nor is self-evident in the pre-school education, access to sign language and a bilingual early intervention.



Even in the areas of communication and information access in which people with hearing impairments still bump into barriers, must the quality of sign language interpreters, the selection of personnel in institutions and agencies that are working for hearing-impaired people, saved and checked in the best case by native speakers are. Only in this way can be guaranteed that the barriers are broken down and Deaf people can live in an inclusive society. More Informations at http://aktion.gehoerlosen-bund.de

Why Is It Important To Learn Sign At Birth For Deaf Child ?

VIDEO: Why is it important to learn sign at birth for Deaf child - ASL Version.



Enjoy to view Jenny Cooper vlog "Locumentary Journey Experiences."

Related Post of Hearing Parents With Deaf Children:

Interview With Hearing Parents Of A Deaf Son

Educate Hearing Parents of Deaf Children

Early Language Acquisition of Deaf Babies

Deaf Awareness: One Deaf Child

American Sign Language For Babies & Toddlers

Cochlear Implants Is NOT A Cure !

Why Is It Important To Learn Sign At Birth For Deaf Child ?

Educating Hearing People About The Deaf World

9/11 - 10 Years Later: Are They Ready For Deaf People ?

VIDEO [CC] - 9/11 - 10 Years Later - Are They Ready For Deaf People? 9/11 Fear in silence: The forgotten underdogs.



NEW YORK CITY - 9/11 was covered from every perspective except ours, the Deaf survivors. The film disclose issues and concerns about our quest for resolutions to the City and Government to improve equal access within the NYC MTA transit system that failed to meet the needs of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing commuters, evacuation designed safe areas under the subway stations for both the Deaf and Hard of Hearing people.

The Deaf-Blind and people with disabilities, 9-1-1 accessible emergency procedures, emergency preparedness for immediate evacuation, information on alert systems, accessible emergency communication and notification within the law enforcement, hospitals, and fire department all within the city, state and federal operating system. Best Produced Documentary by Ann Marie "Jade" Bryan.



The list goes on. "When information is 'not accessible' for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing people, then ignorance kills, silence kills, fear kills, and neglect kills. INFORMATION IS POWER," quoted Jade. Go to site for more information or order the complete film: http://911fearinsilence.info/

Deaf Documentary Film: 9/11 Fear In Silence

VIDEO [CC] - Documentary Film: 9/11 fear in silence has been covered from every perspective. Expect ours, Deaf Survivors.



NEW YORK CITY - 9/11 Fear in silence: The forgotten underdogs is a compelling documentary about Deaf and Hard of Hearing people who were the first citizens to become shut out from outside communication and 'left in the dark,' and the last to receive access to critical information, or be delivered from danger on September 11, 2001.

Order your DVD: http://911fearinsilence.info/