SIGN- LANGUAGE INNOVATION

The on-line sign-language video-translator helps to overcome the contact barrier between
hard-on-hearing and those with no hearing problems

The social dimension of innovation - its importance and significance has been demonstrated at this year's   INNO-TECH  - the expo has become the stage for  on-line sign-language video-translator launch . This is a unique solution on the nationwide scale. It helps overcome the contact barrier between the deaf   the hearing. Thus Poland's  half-a-million group of hard-on-hearing is enabled to call an ambulance, visit a doctor, visit an office, a bank or a shop on their own.

The on-line sign-language video-translator   is the result of cooperation which was established at last year's   International Expo of Innovativeness and New Technologies  INNO-TECH   between the two companies: Migam.org   - a Polish startup which specialises in technologies for the deaf and the Kielce's Altar company -   the supplier of bespoke-solution call centre systems in addition to other products and services.  

Why is cutting-edge technology the key to find a common language between the deaf and hearing people?  It is estimated that approx. 70% of the hard-on-hearing have serious problems with understanding a written text in Polish. Polish turns out to be a foreign language for them, just like German or French for us. This is also because Polish has a completely different grammar, syntax in addition to the fact that the sign language has no written form. Therefore many of us present this incorrect  opinion that all you need to communicate with the deaf is a piece of paper and a pen.

On-line sign-language video-translator is offered by Migam as the cloud-based service. The solution is based on the Altar Contact Centre system and the video channel (accessible from a web browser) as well as a service provided by certified sign language interpreters who work in Warsaw-based Migam.org.

All it takes to connect to the translator, is to click the "Sign language interpreter on-line" icon on such website as for example. migam.org (provided Głuchym pro publico bono)   or altar.com.pl or the website of a company which has resolved to support the hard-on-hearing with the use of the video-translator.

A certified translator sees a deaf person on the computer screen and the person with hearing impediment sees the interpreter. Now they can start a conversation.  A deaf person can also use   this solution at the town halls' office. In this caste they use a tablet, with the use of this device the interpreter mediates in communication with the clerk.

The first bank which has begun the pilot-service scheme for the deaf is ING. The project started in June. Soon the video-translator's services will be available in all municipal offices of one of Poland's largest cities.

Owing to the fact that the hard-on-hearing milieus are quite hermetic, the information on the video-translator has spread like wildfire. Every day the deaf ask interpreters for help in tackling various common-day matters like ordering a locksmith when one is needed because a lock has just broken. Remote translation is also available at a visit to the doctor, when contacting customer support of an online store or when arranging a visits to a hairdresser or dentist. There have also been instances of a person requesting an interpreter's help in calling for ambulance because the deaf person experienced some health problems and was unable to talk to 112 - emergency services could not be otherwise be informed by a hard-on-hearing person... This story would have had a different end but for the interpreter's help. It was necessary for the person in need to remain in hospital.