Deaf Link to provide sign-language interpreter services to RE/MAX offices

From: San Antonio Business Journal, TX - Apr 13, 2005

Deaf Link Inc. reached agreements with seven RE/MAX franchises throughout the country to provide real estate agents with Internet-based sign-language interpretive services.

Deaf Link allows agents to assist clients that are either deaf or hard-of-hearing through the use of Internet-based video conferencing.

Deaf Link operates a communications center that is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week with certified American Sign Language interpreters.

The company sets up three-way communications between the agent, an interpreter and the deaf client to discuss homebuying options.

Deaf Link is currently working with RE/MAX offices in Austin; Scottsdale, Ariz.; Colleyville, Texas; Cedar Hill, Texas; Avalon, N.J.; Bellingham, Wash.; and Baltimore.

The San Antonio-based company landed its first real estate client last October when broker Dayton Schrader, owner of RE/MAX affiliate The Schrader Group, adopted the service.

Deaf Link's president and chief executive officer, Kay Chiodo, says real estate agents also have the ability to further assist deaf or hard-of-hearing clients by working with title companies, lenders, appraisers and inspectors as they close on their properties.

"Deaf Link's goal is to provide deaf and hard-of-hearing people the same opportunities and level of service that is available to the rest of the population," Chiodo says.

There are an estimated 28 million Americans that are either deaf or hearing impaired.

© 2005 American City Business Journals Inc.