An exploration of deaf telecommunication processes and associated social issues in South Africa : research article

This paper presents the results of an exploratory investigation into telecommunications practices and challenges among the Deaf in South Africa. Telecommunication products like cell phones, TTY's, sMessage terminals, e-mail, fax messaging, instant messaging (IM) were some of the technologies in...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:South African computer journal = Suid-Afrikaanse rekenaartydskrif 2010-07, Vol.2010 (45), p.11-17
Main Authors: Liebenberg, Marisa, Lotriet, Hugo
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Deaf Telecommunication
Hearing loss
Social Factors
University of Pretoria
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Summary:This paper presents the results of an exploratory investigation into telecommunications practices and challenges among the Deaf in South Africa. Telecommunication products like cell phones, TTY's, sMessage terminals, e-mail, fax messaging, instant messaging (IM) were some of the technologies investigated. The research shows that the Deaf considers IM as the most successful technology for both business and social communication. E-mail was rated most often used for business communication, where as e-mail and SMS were rated most used for social communication. The main drawbacks experienced by deaf users of telecommunications technologies related to connecting with and understanding of people. The research findings indicate that the Deaf would like to see heightened public awareness of deafness and its challenges in telecommunication.
ISSN:1015-7999
2313-7835