Recent News & Blogs

Wacky vids for deaf a web hit

2008-11-18

A WACKY music lover has become a huge hit on the internet after using sign language to make pop videos for the deaf. Hundreds of thousands of people have viewed Tyrone Whittle’s unique interpretations of classic tracks by The Arctic Monkeys, Oasis, and The Smiths, which he performs in public. The 43-year-old can be seen signing the lyrics to the songs as he strikes some unusual dance moves in public places ranging from trains stations to shopping centres. [Read more about the article: Wacky vids for deaf a web hit...]


Deaf man waiting to hear first sound after successful operation

2008-11-18

A MAN who has been totally deaf since birth is facing an month-long wait to find out if he will be able to hear for the first time. Mark Ramsay underwent a complex cochlear implant at an Ayrshire Hospital at the weekend, and has been told it has been a complete success. But doctors have to wait weeks before they can begin the process which will literally allow the volume to ADVERTISEMENTbe turned up in Mark's life. [Read more about the article: Deaf man waiting to hear first sound after successful operation...]


Make Americans with disabilities a new White House priority

2008-11-18

President-elect Barack Obama must improve the lives of Americans with disabilities. As a candidate, he put forth a detailed agenda on this issue, recognizing the unmet needs of millions of Americans. Now the work begins. Here are three vital things his administration should do. [Read more about the article: Make Americans with disabilities a new White House priority...]


Biochemist introduces technologies for blind students

2008-11-18

Cary Supalo, a blind biochemist, introduced a group of students and teachers to the tools he is developing to help visually impaired students succeed in chemistry. Supalo and his colleagues managed to make JAWS compatible with the various lab probes created by Vernier Technologies. Thanks to Supalo and his team, more than 125 probes are now able to convert text to speech. Supalo discussed the Submersible Audible Light Sensor, or SALS. This device consists of a submersible sensor attached to a control box, which contains a speaker. The SALS allows blind students to recognize when a combination of chemicals yields a new result. Since the student is unable to see the reaction, the SALS produces a certain pitch when it is submerged in liquid. When two chemicals combine, a completely different pitch is produced due to the change in light content, indicating to the student a change has taken place in real time. [Read more about the article: Biochemist introduces technologies for blind students...]


Citys new high-tech theatre not set up for deaf patrons

2008-11-18

Movie lovers in Brantford are eagerly awaiting Friday, when the new Galaxy Cinemas will open its doors. Not Jessica Gibbs. The 22-year-old city resident won't be able to enjoy the action on any of the eight screens in the high-tech theatre, which features special accommodations for people with disabilities. Those who are deaf, such as Gibbs, are out of luck. No captioning system is available here, at least for now. [Read more about the article: Citys new high-tech theatre not set up for deaf patrons...]


Disabled Gamer Builds Custom Whole-Body PS3 Setup

2008-11-18

How much do we take being able to play games for granted? Disabled gamer KitsuneYume surely doesn't, seeing as he rigged a PS3 controller setup to work by using his entire body as input triggers, which allows him to hit a respectable 20 out of 25 possible PS3 controller functions. [Read more about the article: Disabled Gamer Builds Custom Whole-Body PS3 Setup ...]