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Sign Language Via Cell Phone
QuatumCrypto writes "A project is underway at the University of Washington to enable real-time sign language communication via cell phone. Because of the low-bandwidth wireless cell phone network, a new compression scheme is necessary to capture only the bare essential components of signing to minimize data transfer. Although text messaging is a viable alternative for everyone, signing — like speech — is a much faster and more convenient form of communication."
I've already seen sign language being used over video calls. Then again, as one who volunteers with autistic children, I've seen a lot of super-use of technology and hands...
It is dangerous to be right when the government is wrong.
The deaf texts a lot as well - one swedish article had a couple of deaf teenagers commenting on 3G phones and they used to send 500-1000 SMS per month. But a quick email exchange isn't the same thing as a actual live conversation (at least not for most of us)... just consider how the time gaps with texting/email makes it harder to judge the other persons mental state.
Another interesting trial project going on now in Sweden is "Translator in a pocket". It allows a deaf person to call a sign language translator who translates using the phone. Very useful for anything where you need a direct conversation with a hearing person and you couldn't plan ahead to get a translator and don't want passing notes (or what they'd use). Btw, 3G phones are very popular here in Sweden with the deaf and especially with the teenagers. I've heard numbers that something like 80% of all deaf teenagers have videophones.