[lg policy] UK: Visual communication channel for web enquiries at Centre for Deaf Studies in Bristol

[Harold Schiffman]

Visual communication channel for web enquiries at Centre for Deaf Studies
23 July 2009

In an innovative development, the University’s Centre for Deaf Studies
(CDS) now accepts enquiries and comments from the public in video.
The new SignMail channel allows users looking for more information
about the University to record and send visual messages which will be
translated and responded to by CDS staff. While this is focused on
deaf sign language users, it may be of benefit to all users as it
allows CDS staff to see more detail on the queries and to respond
visually as well as in text. SignMail is part of a suite of software
tools being developed by the Centre to create an innovative learning
environment for British Sign Language users.

In order to use SignMail, users simply follow the instructions on the
website. No downloads are required and as long as the user has access
to a webcam, the messages can be captured and sent. The Centre for
Deaf Studies, Europe’s first academic institution to concentrate
solely on research and education that aims to benefit the Deaf
community, has a long-standing policy of bilingualism in BSL and
spoken/written English. This policy is evident in its teaching,
research and day-to-day activities, and also extends to learning
resources.

Professor Jim Kyle of CDS said: ‘It has long been our goal to allow
users who are not familiar with text to be able to reach us and to
have a very quick response. Because our language policy includes sign
language, it has been the goal to make it easier for deaf people to
communicate with us at a distance.  With SignMail, users at their desk
can do this simply and efficiently. I am sure it will greatly enhance
our community relations.’

http://bristol.ac.uk/news/2009/6477.html

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