Deaf Link Helping Deaf Travelers<\/p>\n
Dec 18, 2006<\/p>\n
With the Texas School for the Deaf, Austin has one of the largest deaf communities in the world. We’re still getting up to speed in terms of technology for that community. That could soon change.<\/p>\n
KXAN’s Jenny Hoff spent the day at San Antonio’s airport to show us a new technology for the deaf that could make its way to Austin and around the world.<\/p>\n
Imagine hurrying through an airport during the busy holiday season and losing your luggage, missing your plane, needing to rent a car or even losing track of your child, and there’s no one who understands you. <\/p>\n
It’s a reality for David Coco, Laurie Reslow and the thousands of other deaf people who live in Austin.<\/p>\n
“It’s a challenge, a very big challenge. I’ve missed flights before or gone to the wrong gate. People who don’t have voice abilities face additional challenges. They have to write notes for everything,” Coco said.<\/p>\n
“I’m standing at a gate and all of a sudden I have realized that everyone has moved and I’ll be left standing there, and I have to run and try to follow,” Reslow said.<\/p>\n
There’s a company now trying to change the frustration and sometimes fear that Reslow and Coco experience when they travel. <\/p>\n
Deaf Link is a teleconferencing center for the deaf which is used in the San Antonio airport.<\/p>\n
It’s the first of its kind in the country. The station allows a deaf passenger to connect to a Deaf Link interpreter via the Internet and immediately communicate with airport personnel or security.<\/p>\n
“I think San Antonio is giving the deaf world the best Christmas gift possible,” Deaf Link Founder Kay Chiodo said.<\/p>\n
Hoff asked: “Do you hope to see this in Austin’s airport?”
\nCoco said: Yes, that would be fantastic.”<\/p>\n
Reslow said: “That would be a lifesaver to me!”<\/p>\n
KXAN spoke with Austin’s airport. They’re considering getting video phones, which would help the deaf connect with home but not with airport security. The Texas School for the Deaf has written a letter asking ABIA to get this technology.<\/p>\n
Link: http:\/\/www.kxan.com\/Global\/story.asp?S=5831237&nav=0s3d<\/p>\n
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Deaf Link Helping Deaf Travelers Dec 18, 2006 With the Texas School for the Deaf, Austin has one of the largest deaf communities in the world. We’re still getting up to speed in terms of technology for that community. That…<\/p>\n