Speaking with a New Voice

Writer: Tiffany Whisner, Coles Marketing Pick up your phone. Dial a number. Talk to someone. You listen to them talk back. Seems easy, doesn’t it? Not for everyone. For many years, a person with impaired hearing or speech had to use text telephones, also known as TTY, in order to communicate over the phone. This […]

5 Alerting Indicators for Blind and Visually Impaired

There are many forms of assistive technology that may benefit individuals who are blind or visually impaired.  However, one type of assistive technology I’ve yet to discuss in depth is alerting indicators, which may benefit these individuals greatly.  Maxi Aids “offers the highest quality selections of liquid level indicators, talking alarm clocks, motion sensors, toilet level indicators, […]

ASL Kids — Sign Language

Looking for an app to help teach your child American Sign Language (ASL)?  Check out ASL Kids — Sign Language, a free app available for both iOS and Android devices.  According to the app’s description, children learn best “by imitating other kids” so within the app, ASL is taught by children ages 1-12. ASL Kids […]

Learn ABC’s of Sign Language with Fingerspelling Blocks

Looking for a fun, interactive way to teach your child fingerspelling?  The Fingerspelling Blocks is an ideal, hands-on toy designed to teach young children (ages 3 and up) how to fingerspell! All 26 letters of the English alphabet are included in the Fingerspelling Blocks with corresponding sign language hand shapes molded on top.  According to the […]

Monday Tech Tip: Sign Language Apps

Justin Amber, Equipment Loan Specialist at Easter Seals Crossroads,  shows us two sign language apps. Marlee Keyboard which allows users to download a sign language keyboard to use with an iOS device and Marlee Signs which is a way to learn sign language. Check it out here:

Auditory Brainstem Implantation

According to the World Health Organization, over 5% of the world’s population experiences disabling hearing loss.  Said individuals may often receive cochlear implants, however, these implants won’t always work for everyone.  Now there is a newer technique being tested: auditory brainstem implants (or ABI). Auditory brainstem implantation can restore hearing for individuals who cannot benefit from cochlear implants.  Right now, it […]