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Technology In the Deaf World (Telephones (Robert Weitbrecht was a deaf…
Technology In the Deaf World
Telephones
Robert Weitbrecht was a deaf scientist who developed the teletypewriter (TTY) in the 1960's.
In 1968, there were only 25 machines in the entire United States, the big bulky machines were hard to have around in the house.
There were others inventions that amplified the sound, in the early 1930's. This sometimes made it hard because everything was amplified, even background noise.
Some phones were modified to have a compatibility with hearing aids, making it the first thing to allow deaf people to make calls to hearing people.
When they would visit other people, they had to go unannounced and just hope their friends were home.
In 2014, the FCC ordered to text 911 for emergencies since deaf people were not able to do that on their own, without calling.
For a long time, deaf people had to rely on hearing people to make all sorts of calls for them because no other communication.
Residential Security & Alarm Systems
Some systems that are wireless have the ability to send a text to the homeowner, making it more accessible to the deaf. Some even accept text responses, making it easier than a call.
Fire alarms are strobe-based and bed shaking system instead of the sound based ones.
Most security systems, for the deaf or hard of hearing, include lights that flash or vibrator alert.
The prices run from about $100-$500 for an alarm system kit, however there are some that are free given by the fire department.
Weather reports that work with the podcasts can also send alerts to your house system, that activates lights and/or bed shakers.
Wake-up & Baby Alerting Systems
Baby monitors in 1937 were all sound based, so deaf parents were unable to gain advantage of them.
The deaf parents would have to take their babies everywhere with them, and while the baby would sleep they would usually put their hand on their chest to make sure they were still breathing.
Some other travel alarm clocks, vibrating watches, and vibrating timers, were invented as well and were around $50-$100 each one.
During the 1970's the light-based baby monitors were invented, making it easier to leave their child in another room and having the accessibility of the baby monitor.
The wake-up alarm system connects to the clock. The vibrating mat below the bed vibrates when the alarm goes off.
DeafBlind people had a baby monitor that was with a vibrating pager.
Alerting Devices/Systems
VRS devices have signaling systems that started to be installed at homes and offices in the 1990's-2000's.
Smartphones became a great way to get alerts on calls, with the vibrating option it was easy to detect a message.
Some doorbell systems can run as high as $200, but can be easily installed to the existing doorbell.
Some deaf people get frustrated with having to have the phone with them at all times, so that is when other systems would be needed.
The dorm rooms in Gallaudet University would have a pulling doorbell, where the visitor would pull and a weight would fall on the other side to alert the deaf individual.