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NEW ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM IMPROVES COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEW ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM IMPROVES COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE HEARING AND THE DEAF Beta Version of the SignTel Interpreter is Available Now North Haven, CT, January 30, 2001 -- SignTel Inc. today announced the availability of the beta version of the SignTel Interpreter, a new communications system designed to improve interactions between the country's hearing individuals and the deaf/hard of hearing community, estimated at more than 20 million . The SignTel Interpreter incorporates the language that is considered native to the deaf community, sign language, as an integral part of its program, and provides real time translation of spoken and written English into sign language. According to Maureen Rosselli, a sign language interpreter and a member of the linguistic team at SignTel Inc., "The culturally Deaf use sign language, a rich and expressive language with its own grammar, rhythm and syntax, to communicate in social, educational and workplace settings. While not meant to replace a live interpreter, this product was developed in the hopes of facilitating interactions between the hearing and the deaf when a live interpreter is not available." The SignTel Interpreter is housed on a computer, such as an IBM ThinkPad® notebook, and works by capturing the hearing party's voice through a microphone or via inputted English text, and displaying the translated message in streaming sign language as well as text for the deaf person. The signing figure also enunciates words, making it easy for those who read lips to understand. Existing telecommunications systems for the deaf, such as the tele-typewriter (TTY), are cumbersome, time-consuming and lack privacy because they require participation of live operators to type the speech content of the hearing so that the deaf can see it in text. The SignTel Interpreter is the first device to accurately translate the intended meanings of sentences, including common idiomatic expressions and turn such phrases into meaningful language for the signing community. It also is able to differentiate between the multiple meanings of words. According to Ms. Rosselli, phrases such as "beat around the bush" don't make sense when translated into sign language. The SignTel Interpreter translates this phrase into "avoid." Other examples include "cool as a cucumber," which the SignTel Interpreter translates as "calm"; or "once in a blue moon," translated as "rare." "The SignTel Interpreter utilizes advanced technological tools such as sophisticated lexical analysis, artificial intelligence and image processing, in an easy-to-use package to help bridge the communication gap between the hearing and the deaf in the United States," said Raanan Liebermann, Ph.D., president/chief executive officer and chief of technology, SignTel. "In addition, the SignTel Interpreter can boost productivity, enhance morale and foster improved relationships in diverse environments, ranging from small businesses to large companies and educational institutions. It is the first step in a planned series of products that will remove existing barriers of communication." The beta version, available now, includes most of the features of Version One, including text-to-sign language translation. It does not include the voice recognition technology that enables voice-to-sign language translations. Version One, with a unique voice recognition technology that works in tandem with sophisticated lexical analysis, will be available by March of this year. The upgraded feature will be available for free to beta owners. SignTel Inc., headquartered in North Haven, Connecticut, is engaged in the development of assistive devices and communication technologies for the deaf and hard of hearing. SignTel Inc. currently has more than 120 employees including deaf, hard of hearing, deaf/blind and deaf/low vision. Please feel free to visit the Company's Web site at www.signtelinc.com. While Network Solutions updates their servers to upload the address, you can access the site at http://63.74.144.100. Source: National Center for Health Statistics |
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