Subject: FYI: New Assistive Technology System Improves Communication Between the Hearing and the Deaf
From: Ginette Perkins (ginettep@seals.org)
Date: Fri Feb 02 2001 - 10:37:47 PST
NEW ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM IMPROVES COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE HEARING
AND THE DEAF
Beta Version of the SignTel Interpreter™ is Available Now
North Haven, CT, January 30, 2001 -- SignTel Inc. today announced the
availability of the beta version of the SignTel Interpreter™, a new
communications system designed to improve interactions between the country's
hearing individuals and the deaf/hard of hearing community, estimated at
more than 20 million . The SignTel Interpreter incorporates the language
that is considered native to the deaf community, sign language, as an
integral part of its program, and provides real time translation of spoken
and written English into sign language.
According to Maureen Rosselli, a sign language interpreter and a member of
the linguistic team at SignTel Inc., "The culturally Deaf use sign language,
a rich and expressive language with its own grammar, rhythm and syntax, to
communicate in social, educational and workplace settings. While not meant
to replace a live interpreter, this product was developed in the hopes of
facilitating interactions between the hearing and the deaf when a live
interpreter is not available."
The SignTel Interpreter is housed on a computer, such as an IBM ThinkPad®
notebook, and works by capturing the hearing party's voice through a
microphone or via inputted English text, and displaying the translated
message in streaming sign language as well as text for the deaf person. The
signing figure also enunciates words, making it easy for those who read lips
to understand.
Existing telecommunications systems for the deaf, such as the
tele-typewriter (TTY), are cumbersome, time-consuming and lack privacy
because they require participation of live operators to type the speech
content of the hearing so that the deaf can see it in text. The SignTel
Interpreter is the first device to accurately translate the intended
meanings of sentences, including common idiomatic expressions and turn such
phrases into meaningful language for the signing community. It also is able
to differentiate between the multiple meanings of words.
According to Ms. Rosselli, phrases such as "beat around the bush" don't make
sense when translated into sign language. The SignTel Interpreter translates
this phrase into "avoid." Other examples include "cool as a cucumber," which
the SignTel Interpreter translates as "calm"; or "once in a blue moon,"
translated as "rare."
"The SignTel Interpreter utilizes advanced technological tools such as
sophisticated lexical analysis, artificial intelligence and image
processing, in an easy-to-use package to help bridge the communication gap
between the hearing and the deaf in the United States," said Raanan
Liebermann, Ph.D., president/chief executive officer and chief of
technology, SignTel. "In addition, the SignTel Interpreter can boost
productivity, enhance morale and foster improved relationships in diverse
environments, ranging from small businesses to large companies and
educational institutions. It is the first step in a planned series of
products that will remove existing barriers of communication."
The beta version, available now, includes most of the features of Version
One, including text-to-sign language translation. It does not include the
voice recognition technology that enables voice-to-sign language
translationz. Version One, with a unique voice recognition technology that
works in tandem with sophisticated lexical analysis, will be available by
March of this year. The upgraded feature will be available for free to beta
owners.
SignTel Inc., headquartered in North Haven, Connecticut, is engaged in the
development of assistive devices and communication technologies for the deaf
and hard of hearing. SignTel Inc. currently has more than 120 employees
including deaf, hard of hearing, deaf/blind and deaf/low vision. Please feel
free to visit the Company's Web site at signtelinc.com. While Network
Solutions updates their servers to upload the address, you can access the
site at http://63.74.144.100.
Source: National Center for Health Statistics
Ginette Perkins
AT Information & Referral Specialist
Washington Assistive Technology Alliance
1-800-214-8731 (Toll Free)
(509) 328-9350 (V, TTY)
(509) 326-2261 (Fax)
ginettep@seals.org
Website: http://wata.org
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