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Deaf gain interpreter through technology
The deaf have ready access to sign language interpreters through a new device at Mary Washington Hospital
Date published: 2/23/2008
BY JIM HALL
A new device at Mary Washington Hospital could mean ready access to sign-language interpreters for patients who can't hear.
Deaf-Talk, a video interpreter service, was displayed Thursday at a workshop, sponsored by the Fredericksburg hospital, for the deaf and hard of hearing.
"This is probably the most important new piece of technology we have," said Pamela Thorpe, coordinator of cultural services.
The device consists of a television monitor, outfitted with camera and microphone, that connects the deaf patient with a sign-language interpreter.
The service is available at any time of the day or night. The manufacturer says its goal is to supply an interpreter within eight minutes.
At Mary Washington, the device is based in the emergency room but is wireless and can be used anywhere in the building.
The hospital purchased the $7,500 service in October and has already used it several times, Thorpe said.
Recently the staff moved the unit into the cardiac catheterization lab to communicate with a deaf patient there. They also used it to hasten the discharge of another deaf patient.
Officials also hope that Deaf-Talk will help deaf patients such as Sandy Kessler.
Kessler said yesterday that when she was admitted to Mary Washington, the staff asked her son and daughter to interpret for her.
But Kessler said her daughter balked at being the intermediary.
"That's my mother," she said. "It's very awkward for me."
Kessler said she asked for an "actual, certified interpreter not related to me."
By one estimate, there are about 1,000 deaf people in the Fredericksburg area. Federal law requires that medical providers supply them with qualified sign-language interpreters at no cost.
Mary Washington contracts with a Richmond company when it needs a face-to-face interpreter. The system works best when the hospital knows in advance that a patient will need an interpreter, Thorpe said.
But sometimes deaf patients arrive without warning in the emergency room. Other times interpreters are not available, or are delayed or fail to show, Thorpe said.
Hospital officials hope Deaf-Talk will fill the gaps.
About 30 deaf and hard-of-hearing people watched as Harry Hillgrove, a representative of the company that makes Deaf-Talk, demonstrated how it works.
"Do you hear my voice?" asked the woman on the television monitor.
"We hear you very well," Hillgrove answered.
Read more stories about Fredericksburg
Date published: 2/23/2008
Most recent reader comments:
Dear Coomunication
(posted by
arva16
, Feb. 23, 2008 5:39 pm)
The Virginina Relay is vital for the deaf community as not all people have computer at home or faxes to use. We have a wide range of individuals with different income levels.
Business can also advertise free and learn to use the relay by going to VARELAY.ORG and joining the Va Relay Partners. Businesses can learn how to use it.
It is real blessing to be able to communiciaite with family,health care professionals, and friends.
Jim Hall did an excellent story and it is being picked up by the press.
Deaf Communication
(posted by
GlenK
, Feb. 23, 2008 8:59 am)
In an era of nearly universal e-mail and FAX, we are ALL still paying for the now-obsolete, hard to use Virginia Relay Center! For what we are all paying we could give EVERY deaf person in the state a FREE FAX Machine, and keep then stocked with paper and toner!
No doubt this is well-meaning, but we need to think seriously about the obsolescence curve before we allow public funds anywhere near it!
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