Information technology for deaf people

Abstract

In our modern information and communication society, daily life would be unthinkable without technology. Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is also very useful for people with special needs. As the acoustic channel is barred to the deaf, all acoustic data have to be presented in visual form, ideally in sign language. This chapter presents a general overview of the use of ICT for deaf people using current as well as future technologies. The focus is on communication, e-learning and barrier-free access to information. Various projects of the Center for Sign Language serve as practical examples, and illustrate the Austrian situation. © Springer-Verlag Berlin/Heidelberg 2006.