When on a video call, and if available, I tend to take advantage of the automatic subtitles to help get through the call, and most deaf people would do the same.
But automatic subtitles are not perfect. They’re not terrible, but they’re not perfect. However, there are steps everyone can take to make it as accurate as possible and make it easier for the technology to pick up the words.
Since face masks is currently part of the everyday norm and it’s common to see it in our daily routines now, this has raised the issue of how it can make it difficult for deaf people to lip read and to communicate. Even there are so many different types of face masks out there, I have yet to see those wearing the see-through clear face masks where you can see the other person’s lips. This makes it easier to lip read, see their emotions and facial expressions, and generally make it easier to communicate. And this applies, not just to deaf people, but to everyone too. Even though video calls and events have been around for many years, the pandemic has forced many organisers to consider making their events, which are normally offline and in-person, as a virtual event instead. Conferences, meetings, lectures, workshops, performances…they are all affected. But deaf attendees are often forgotten about or ignored, so this post will look at how to make virtual events deaf accessible. Learn how to organise and run deaf accessible virtual events here There are so many barriers that we could focus on when it comes to deaf awareness. But since it’s Deaf Awareness Week in the UK (as of 4th-10th May 2020), there is one particular topic that I wanted to focus in light of it being a popular trend. We are living in a time where more and more people are making video calls. But how do you video call someone who is deaf/hard of hearing? Is that even possible? There are so many tools and platforms out there you can use for video calls. But for all their fancy gadgets and quirky features, […] Video calls are on the rise. With more people working from home, remote working (or living in isolation because of a global pandemic) and with so many tools available to help us, more and more people are making use of video calls even for personal use too. But what about for someone like me who […] Rather than asking how people go deaf in general (genetic, accident, illness, etc.), a popular question is “how can I become deaf”…like literally and deliberately force it upon yourself. It’s an unusual question but it’s not something that I encourage. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing “wrong” with being deaf. But people have to realise and understand that it’s not a novelty or “a bit of fun”. It comes with barriers and challenges. But rather than quickly judge those who asks this question, perhaps there is more to the story. As part of my message to taxi drivers and companies, I want to share my own experience (and for others) on how, by working together, the driver and passengers can have a smoother process. Because if taxi drivers can be deaf aware of what to do when they have deaf/hard of hearing passengers, it will avoid all sorts of awkwardness, complications and miscommunications. And the process of getting from A to B will be a smoother one for everyone involved. Learn more on what taxi companies can do for deaf/hard of hearing passengers If you are not familiar with “inspiration porn”, you are bound to have come across them in your life. But they can be detrimental to d/Deaf and hard of hearing people. Originally coined by Stella Young at a TEDx talk, “inspiration porn” has become a very common used when disabled people are being used as a source of inspiration for doing everyday tasks like getting of the bed and going on public transport. And for d/Deaf people, we are not exempt from that either, and below will explain why. Learn about “inspiration porn” and the problems they can causeMy (deaf) perspectives on face masks & how you can help to reduce barriers
How to organise and run an awesome deaf accessible virtual event?
Deaf Awareness Week 2020: The one rising (and damaging) trend to focus on…
How to video call a deaf person?
How I make and take video calls as a deaf person?
How can I force myself to go deaf permanently?
“Dear taxi drivers…” – from a deaf passenger
How “Inspiration Porn” can affect deaf people?
