New Sidekick model has neat features
By Deaf411 | November 18, 2009
[DEAF411] T-Mobile released recently the latest Sidekick model, the “Sidekick LX 2009”. It is the first Sidekick model to have 3G and YouTube mobile access. It is the thinnest Sidekick to date but it doesn’t sacrifice anything to “get there”
Sidekick LX 2009 has new features and enhancements that makes T-Mobile’s latest Sidekick the most amazing model to date – it is obvious T-Mobile listened to consumers and improved it even further. It is now even more accommodating to needs of deaf consumers – making it very deaf-friendly.
What’s new or better?
This model is larger – and thinner. It has a larger keyboard, a larger 3.2 inch display screen with clearer, sharper and brighter images.
The built-in camera is now 3.2 megapixels with auto focus and flash. Video recording and playback was added to Sidekick 2008, and is continued on this model.
Now with the 3G capability, Sidekick LX 2009 will switch to 3G whenever 3G coverage is available (T-Mobile is still building out its 3G network) – but will fall back on Edge network whenever 3G is not available.
Social networking is added to this new model – three leading networks are built-in – Twitter, MySpace and Facebook.
New Sidekick model has neat features
We already know Sidekick has a spacious QWERTY keyboard which they continue to improve – and Sidekick LX 2009 also offers several email program options: T-mail, Yahoo, AOL, Windows Live and POP3/IMAP 4. It also offers the choice of instant messaging (IM) programs: AIM, Yahoo and Windows Live.
The trackball navigator lights up when you get a message, even if it’s a Twitter! Now there’s no need to go back to your computer at home to post something – you can now browse, upload, write and post from wherever you are using the new SK model.
All of the new features make our lives easier. You can make text relay calls on it, text or email your friends, be alerted right away when the trackball navigator lights up, stay up to date with your favorite social network, and browse the internet and videos to look up information no matter where you are.
* Sidekick LX 2009 specs – http://www.sidekick.com/sidekick_lx_demo.aspx
* To check T-Mobile coverage in your area – click ‘Data Coverage’ at http://www.tmobile.com/coverage/pcc.aspx?WT.z_support=Coverage
* Sidekick LX 2009 & “Unlimited Data Plan” ordering info – http://www.deaf411online.com/sk01.html
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* SIGNED & CAPTIONED VIDEO – http://www.deaf411online.com/sk13.html
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Enhance your Videophone Experience!
By Deaf411 | September 15, 2009
[DEAF411] If you are like me, we can’t live without the videophone – “deafinitely” a huge improvement over the TTY! Setting up a videophone device – or webcam – for videophone communication is relatively easier to do nowadays as more people become familiar with it. The installers or representatives from the VRS providers are also very helpful!
If you are set up to make videophone calls, you know what kind of challenges you have: how to get clear picture, adequate lighting, and what clothes to use. Are you doing everything possible to make yourself easy for the other person, or a Video Interpreter, to follow you during video conversations?
The second report from “Deaf Living Solution” series called “Make Videophone Calls like a Champ” is informative. Posted on the Deaf411Online website, this brief 5-minute video is chockfull of information. Deaf411 announcer Alexandria Wailes says four areas should be addressed for smooth videophone conversations: environment, clothing, body language and videophone culture.
Empowering Us to “Look Good” to other callers!
It is amazing how fast the “deaf videophone industry” has boomed in the past decade. We now have choice of videophones, or use webcams – the newer generation of laptops has built-in webcams – and can even choose from a long list of video relay services.
Using a videophone enables a much quicker communication than text relay. The video interpreter can pick up a lot more nuances because the interpreter can see your face, your facial expressions, and even inflect, in voice, your personality and signing style!
Because the conversations move at a faster speed, more information is covered during every conversation, and the length of each conversation gets shorter. The amazing videophone capabilities definitely elevates and presents you as intelligent deaf human beings… the hearing person begin to see you for who you are, and not as a “nuisance”!
The report goes over various scenarios and gives insights on aiming for smooth and effective video conversations. It is thought provoking and worth considering – would you have known that even how you dress, behave, and even how you sit, influences the video interpreter’s voice inflections?
“Make Videophone Calls like a Champ” is part of the “Deaf Living Solutions” series of internet video reports produced by Deaf411 and presented in sign language with open captions. This report was sponsored in a unique arrangement between Deaf411, a marketing and public relations company and LifeLinks, a video relay service provider based in New York City.
SIGNED & CAPTIONED VIDEO: www.deaf411online.com/deaflivingsolutions
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Deaf-Friendly Cities in the U.S. Online Report Is Now Available
By Deaf411 | August 7, 2009
[Deaf411] Are the cities we live in doing a good job for deaf people? Should we be satisfied with our lives, or can our lives be better? Should we speak out, fight discrimination and demand improvements?
As deaf people, we try to get along with the hearing world. But does the hearing world try to get along with us? This should be a two-way street; the hearing world should also work with us!
Deaf411 asked people to rate the cities they live in, and has released a report listing cities that ranked highly as deaf-friendly cities. This online report, called “Deaf Friendly Cities in the U.S.,” outlines what makes these cities different from others.
Top Cities in U.S.
The online report is based on survey responses from thousands of deaf people. The report identifies top cities in four regions of the U.S. and also includes in-depth reports on four cities. The in-depth reports are interesting reading, with an overview on the city, deaf businesses, deaf events, and the role of deaf residents in local government.
Deaf Accessibility
The online report also has a cool Deaf Accessibility section with photos of examples to give cities and hearing people ideas on ideal accessibility. Check out Austin, Texas – the city has some neat solutions ranging from something small enough to hold in your hand, to something that is 100 feet large!
Helpful Information
Deaf411 found that some cities are at the cutting edge of deaf-friendly accessibility, while other cities are way behind and offer little or no services for their deaf residents. Hearing people’s attitudes to deaf people also vary greatly from city to city.
Some cities are great places for deaf people to live; other cities are not. Where are those cities? What are these things that make a city a great place for deaf people? Those answers and more can be found in the report.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if your government remembered deaf people in events of emergency? How about including deaf people on planning committees? And we all want a bigger variety of events in the community that are accessible to deaf people.
Publicize the Report!
The key thing is to encourage more cities to become deaf-friendly! We all want better lives. You should read the “Deaf Friendly Cities in the U.S” report and let others know about the report. Spreading word about this free report would increase awareness of all of your needs as a deaf citizen.
You could get ideas on how your hometown could be a better place for a deaf person. As more cities set examples of themselves as being deaf-friendly, it becomes easier for other cities to follow and do the same. Please do your part.
To view free Online Report
A new signed + captioned video has been posted with link to the “Deaf-Friendly Cities in the U.S.” online report at http://www.deaf411online.com/12.html.
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Visual Alerts, a “must” in fast-paced audio world!
By Deaf411 | June 3, 2009
[DEAF411] We all live in a fast-paced audio world. Being deaf means we have to figure out, keep track and watch out for sounds that hearing people take for granted. Missing your friend’s phone call or a delivery that you are expecting, waiting for and really need for example, can really be frustrating!
You know you need a device or equipment that lets you know when your phone or doorbell is ringing. But which equipment is suitable for your needs? Like other technology, you soon realize there are many factors you need to consider. Shopping for a visual alerting system is tough.
With many different types and kinds of visual alerting devices, what choices do you have, how they work, and how do you decide which one suits your living and/or employment setup? A new video report released by Deaf411 announcer Carmen King provides helpful information for a deaf consumer on what to consider when looking for visual alerting equipment.
This report, “Living in an Audio World”, is part of the “Deaf Living Solutions” series of internet video reports produced by Deaf411 and presented in sign language with open captions.
In this report, King describes different alert devices that can be used to alert you when the doorbell or the telephone rings. You have choice of lights for Visual Alerts – lamps, strobe light, or bulbs with different flashing codes are used to represent different sounds.
You also need to consider your environment setting – whether it is a home or an office, and rooms where you want to be informed when the phone (videophone, TTY or telephone) rings, or when someone presses the doorbell button.
Visual alerts are a great solution to a deaf-friendly lifestyle, either at home or in the workplace. It is also helpful to hearing people in noisy environments. Consumers who purchase visual alerts are more relaxed, less frustrated and answer the doorbell or telephone ringing with ease. It is considered a “required commodity” in any deaf person’s household or in a workplace with deaf or hard of hearing employees.
“Living in an Audio World” was sponsored in a unique arrangement between two deaf-owned businesses: Deaf411, a marketing and public relations company and Harris Communications, a national distributor of assistive devices.
“Living in an Audio World”, part of Deaf Living Solutions internet video series, can be seen at http://www.deaf411online.com/aw07.html.
SIGNED & CAPTIONED VIDEO: http://www.deaf411online.com/aw07.html
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Getting a Wireless Device and a calling plan that meets the Deaf users’ need: The T-Mobile Unlimited Data Plan
By Deaf411 | January 6, 2009
[DEAF411] – Just as hearing people have many phone models, calling plans and options to choose from, deaf users also have many options when choosing wireless devices, also known as pagers, and calling plans that are deaf-friendly. Deaf users may qualify for a free wireless device with the help of a rebate, special offer or purchase one at a low cost. An unlimited data plan is a key factor and is more attractive to deaf users when it comes to selecting a calling plan from a wireless provider.
When a deaf user is looking for a wireless device, an important aspect to consider is selecting a monthly calling plan with a wireless service provider that understands what deaf users need. A wide variety of certain brands may require use of a specific wireless service provider. Reviewing which plan is economical is important because there are costs that may be overlooked. For example, a monthly calling plan can include charges for both voice and text usage. We recommend an unlimited data plan because it would be the most economical for a deaf user who primarily uses text communication, and does not use voice.
A deaf user does not want one of the regular calling plans that include an allowance, also known as, “minutes”, for making and receiving voice calls which can significantly impact the monthly cost. Many wireless service providers offer a “data plan” only as an option in addition to the regular calling plan.
T-Mobile is a company that understands what it takes to offer a “deaf-friendly” calling plan by offering “unlimited data plans” for anyone on any of its wireless devices. This “unlimited data plan” from T-Mobile is an ideal fit for a Deaf user of their Sidekick 2008, Sidekick LX or Blackberry Curve. This plan includes:
- Unlimited personal emails
- Unlimited web browsing
- Unlimited text
- Unlimited instant messaging
Deaf and hearing people can communicate with each other through text SMS, IM, and email or over Internet Relay. With this “unlimited data plan”, all these communication methods are available for one fixed monthly cost. This is something worth checking into!
Useful Links:
* SIGNED/CAPTIONED VIDEO: http://www.deaf411online.com
* Fuse Communications, a T-Mobile authorized dealer, has created a helpful “Pager Comparison Chart” listing specifications and features at http://www.deaf411online.com/fuse
* T-Mobile coverage check: http://www.deaf411online.com/coveragecheck
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REVIEW: T-Mobile introduces “Sidekick 2008”
By Deaf411 | August 27, 2008
[DEAF411] – The latest release of T-Mobile’s new Sidekick 2008 on July 28th as an “all-in-one” communication device with many upgraded features is enough to spark interest in the deaf community, most notably being able to record, playback, and send video e-mails!
The T-Mobile Sidekick 2008 is an upgraded version of the Sidekick LX, based on consumer feedback, to include a high resolution screen and camera, strengthened Instant Messaging (“IM”) interface, with three IM client options and group chat capabilities.
Its 2 mega pixel camera has the highest resolution ever on Sidekick with a 400 x 240 WQVGA display. The high quality pictures allow you to enlarge or print higher quality photos. Video capability allows for recording and playback of brief video segments, supporting 3GP and MP4 video attachment formats.
These video upgrades now make it possible to shoot a short ASL video at any event and send it to family or friends! Rather than using a digital camera to plug into your PC to upload and send emails with video attachments, now it’s conveniently done all in one place with Sidekick 2008.
Users have the option of choosing from three IM clients: AIM, Windows and Yahoo Messengers. You can now create or join group chats with up to 10 people at the same time. These create new options for a group conference call or even a family group chat.
Applications on the T-Mobile Sidekick 2008 are more user-friendly. E-mail settings now look like regular e-mail settings with an Inbox, Sent Items folder, Trash, and files. “Push” e-mail accounts send and receive emails in real-time. All text, SMS, picture e-mails and IM are organized efficiently. There is a viewer for Word documents, PDF files and JPEG pictures.
Other features include real web viewing with mini-view of entire Website to help you find what you are looking for without scrolling through entire page, vibrating alarm clock, adjustable font sizes, pre-installed Wireless IP Relay application, QuickFind and Spell Check.
Bluetooth technology is also built-in the Sidekick 2008, offering more flexibility in the wireless transfer of photos and videos and connecting to other Bluetooth peripherals such as printers.
An improved and full QWERTY keyboard with keys widely spaced out, allows you to type with comfort – ideal for the heavy typing among users in the deaf community! Folks are going to like the improved keyboard on the Sidekick 2008.
Its Address Book can hold up to 2,000 friends/businesses associates with their phone number, e-mail address, IM account, Web URL, street address and notes. Neat!
You can “dress up” your T-Mobile Sidekick 2008 with shell bumpers. Included with the Sidekick 2008 purchase are two standard colors – black and lime green bumpers. You can customize and add to your collection by going to a website where you can choose from pre-existing designs in their shell gallery, or create your own design with your own personal photos or graphics, school logos, or anything in digital form. You have more control of your own designs, making it all completely unique and your own! To get ideas, visit the shell design gallery at http://sidekickshells.skinit.com.
As we review this wireless device and its comprehensive features, Sidekick 2008 is a serious contender. The price for a Sidekick 2008 is about $100 cheaper than the LX, making it a potentially-super “all-in-one communication” device that can be used with T-Mobile’s $29.99/month unlimited data plan (email, web browsing, text, IM and picture messaging).
Some rebate offers are currently available to help you purchase Sidekick 2008 at very little cost, or even get all your money back after sending in a rebate (FREE!).
Sidekick 2008: New Features benefit Deaf Users
More info:
http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/phones/Cell-Phone-Detail.aspx?cell-phone=T-Mobile-Sidekick
Live demo:
http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/t-mobile-sidekick/4505-6452_7-33184317.html
To purchase:
www.fusewireless.com
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Make it Deaf-Friendly, or just go into “Deaf Cyberspace”?
By Deaf411 | July 22, 2008
[Deaf411] Can we use the Internet as a solution to living in deaf-friendly environment?
With the Internet becoming a common household “must-have” in homes, Americans spend about 15.3 hours per week online. More Americans now work at home and earn a living, thanks to the Internet. Studies also show that Americans spend 24 minutes shopping online on average.
How does these statistics differ for deaf and hard of hearing Americans?
Deaf Cyberspace
Ideally, deaf people should live in a city with many resources and options to make the town very accessible and comfortable. With the Internet, the communication barriers are reduced significantly. It is accessible to all parts of society – race, cultural and special interests. In general, any website can be translated into other languages and even be blind-friendly.
Socializing on the Internet is even possible! Popularity of social networking sites are still spreading among the deaf community. Already popular in the hearing community, these sites especially Facebook now enables people to keep in touch with their friends and co-workers without having to meet them in person. They can even be in different towns or countries, and it does not matter if they are deaf or hearing – they can still communicate with each other through this visual Internet vehicle!
Many mainstream websites do not have captions for their videos, webinars or teleconferences and do not provide American Sign Language translations. Use of vlogs utilizing sign language in recent months however, is filling in this need but a long way remains. Recently the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and just last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) started providing videocasts in sign language. Eventually federal law is expected to clarify the requirement and who is responsible for providing accessibility to deaf Americans.
Deaf Americans are finding ways to use the Internet to their advantage. They can make videophone calls, use Instant Messaging (IM), and make relay calls to hearing people businesses and agencies. Now with the trend of more Americans working at home, does this mean deaf people should still look for a deaf-friendly city to live in?
We know that the Internet has its downside: it is not completely safe; people could break in computers or websites and steal information, those taking advantage of other people’s privacy i.e. predators preying on young people and identity theft.
If the Internet provides accessibility to “everything”, are there also faults of the Internet for deaf people as well?
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“What should you consider when considering a new City?”
By Deaf411 | July 11, 2008
[DEAF411] Researching and finding the right city to live is challenging and exciting at the same time! Collecting good information will help get a feeling if your life in the new city will be what you expect – and if the city can deliver on your expectations and needs.
It makes it easier to reach a calculated decision.
First you start off with the same information that hearing people consider: transportation. Study the city’s map. Where are the key places – job, school, stores, etc? Study how far the city is from other cities. Is it a good location? Is it accessible? Is it cost-effective?
After studying the map and transportation options, look at weather reports to see average temperatures throughout the year. Look for websites with useful information on jobs, recreation, regulations, commerce, and other information on the city.
Does the city have tourist attractions, recreation, and cultural activities? Researching websites can bring you more information on what makes the city attractive.
Do you know anyone who lives in that city? Ask your friends if they know anyone who does. Talk to people who live in the city and learn more about their experiences of living in the city.
Another crucial factor is cost of living. Find cost of living comparison calculators on the Internet to help you determine how much you should earn in the new city compared to your current city to maintain your current standard of living.
Look at housing options – review listings on real estate websites for that city, contact realtors or read classifieds in the city’s local newspaper to see housing costs and availability.
Deaf People need to consider more facts!
A deaf person would need to collect additional information before making a decision. What should the deaf person consider?
Does the new city have appropriate resources for deaf residents? Are there interpreter services, deaf social services, captioned movies, recreational activities or clubs, employers who are “Deaf-Friendly”, businesses who will accommodate and meet needs of Deaf clients?
Again use the Internet to your advantage… you may be able to get most of this information this way. You can research deaf school, mainstream program or higher education options. Colleges and universities may have deaf resources listings that you could request. Who is the state Commission or agency for the deaf in the city and see if they also have deaf community listings as well.
Is there a local deaf community directory? These listings may show what variety of businesses and agencies exist in the city that serves deaf clients.
Moving to a new city can be fun but there will be obstacles to overcome. Having more information ahead and making decisions based on proper information will hopefully reduce surprises when you make transition to the new city. With this information, you are less stressed and already have a pretty good idea of expectations as you make the move.
Did we overlook any other factors that we need to consider when researching a City? Please email your thoughts to survey@deaf411online.com.
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“Does job availability influence whether Cities become Deaf-Friendly?”
By Deaf411 | June 27, 2008
[DEAF411] Jobs have big influence on where people live.
Searching for a job is neither easy nor fun. This task is even more stressful for a deaf person. Employers try to avoid hiring deaf people because their knowledge is limited and they prefer to avoid something that they are not familiar with comfortable with. They may have preconceived thoughts that accommodating deaf people and providing interpreters are expensive.
Employers need to be educated and motivated in order to consider hiring deaf people. We can find ways to motivate them through federal tax credits and state/local programs.
When employers hire more deaf people, the bigger the deaf community is. With more deaf people using, requesting and needing services from their local municipal governments, there is more awareness about providing interpreters and accommodations to enable deaf people to benefit from services, programs and activities that the city offers.
When researching a new city, it may help to collect information on tax benefits and credits that employers can get for hiring deaf people. This way when you have your job interviews, you can share this information as an added incentive why they should consider hiring you.
The U.S. government provides a tax credit of 50% of employer’s expense, maximum $5,000 per year which is subtracted from the employer’s total tax liability. Employers must be small businesses that earn less than $1 million/year or have less than 30 employees. Tax credit is granted on expenses including sign language interpreters, modification of equipment or removal of barriers in buildings or vehicles. There are some restrictions but employers who qualify can claim the Disabled Access Credit on IRS Form 8826.
Some states and cities offer their own incentive programs that encourage employers and deaf or disabled jobseekers. When you research the new city, you should try to get this information from the city’s Mayor’s Office i.e. through their office of Disabled Affairs, the state Commission on Deaf & Hard of Hearing, the local deaf social service agency.
Some states including California have deaf people or interpreters in their state employment offices. These can be valuable resources in providing interpreter for your job interviews and even steering you towards “deaf-friendly” employers. It helps to research and see what’s available in the city that you are considering.
Deaf Jobseekers Have Impact on the City
When deaf jobseekers approach employers, they are raising awareness on their needs. This is a great opportunity to “sell” them on why they should hire deaf people.
Deaf people are visual-oriented. They make great employees in certain settings that may not be attractive to hearing people. Deaf people usually are loyal to their employers because of the fact the employers made a commitment when they hired them. Grateful employees mean productive workers who are happy in their jobs and they also may stay in their jobs longer. When searching for a job, sharing this information could help speed the hiring process and get more deaf people into jobs!
What do you think? We accept your ideas and thoughts! Send your email to survey@deaf411online.com.
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“Deaf-Friendly Recreation Places In America”
By Deaf411 | June 20, 2008
[DEAF411] While collecting information for the “Deaf-Friendly Cities in the U.S.” project, we came across Branson, Missouri.
Branson, located south of Springfield, MO is a popular vacation spot in America known for magicians, comedy, variety, dinner shows and musical events i.e. rock ‘n’ roll, country, gospel, and performances targeted at families.
Branson claims they have more theater seats than Broadway in New York City! Branson also has mini-golf, museums, and family attractions of all kinds, making it a possible ideal family vacation spot. But can a deaf person or family visit and enjoy Branson when most of its offerings are musical attractions? If Branson draws 100,000 military veterans and families every year, why shouldn’t it draw deaf and hard of hearing visitors? That’s the question Randy Boude wants to answer.
Randy Boude, who is hearing and his sign language interpreter wife, have formed an organization with the goal of making Branson accessible to all deaf people. He is on a mission to make all vacation spots deaf accessible! Randy, who is a singer, sees that access for deaf and hard of hearing people is limited in the entertainment world.
Their organization, Signed Entertainment Enterprises (S.E.E.), reports progress to date as follows: making The White House Theater, The Grand Victorian Hotel, and All American Café deaf-friendly. Deaf people can come to Branson and watch pre-recorded sign language interpretation video by level-5 interpreters while watching stage performances. Employees at several businesses in Branson are attending sign language classes provided by S.E.E. two hotels have included typing devices at front desks for communication with deaf guests as well as TDDs in lobby and guest rooms. Restaurants have menus pasted on the table to facilitate orders.
S.E.E. certifies places “deaf-friendly” if they provide appropriate accessibility for deaf people i.e. employees who use sign language or use of accessibility features. Matt Blunt, Governor of Missouri, proclaimed April 2008 as “Deaf Awareness Month”.
Are there other Deaf-Friendly Recreation Places in America?
Send your responses, suggestions and comments to survey@deaf411online.com.
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