Text technology is great for deaf

From: Peterborough Evening Telegraph - Peterborough,England,UK - Mar 19, 2007

CITY-based Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID) has pioneered some computer software which allows people to communicate in real-time text, replacing the need for the traditional "minicom".
TalkbyText can be installed on personal computers, allowing businesses to communicate with textphone users without additional equipment.

Unlike existing instant messaging systems, TalkByText enables people to make and receive real-time, character-by-character text calls using their computers.

The software can be used in customer service centres, helplines, banks, hospitals and council offices as well as for social calls.

Guido Gybels, director of new technologies at RNID, in Orton Southgate, said: “This affordable, easy-to-use software will enable all customer-facing businesses to communicate with deaf and hard-of-hearing people.”

© 2007 Johnston Press Digital Publishing