IBM to launch online sign language interpretation service in Taiwan

From TradingMarkets.com:

IBM and the Chinese Deaf Association have announced the launch of an online sign language interpretation service in Taiwan, aimed to provide video and audio instant messaging services to the deaf.

No financial details were disclosed.

The service, initially used to support the organisation of the 21st Summer Deaflympics held in Taipei on 5-15 September 2009, is expected to benefit over 200,000 deaf and hearing impaired people in Taiwan.

The service, based on IBM Lotus Sametime instant messaging solution and WiMax wireless broadband technology, will provide the deaf and hearing impaired access to the sign interpretation service across the whole island of Taiwan.

A person with hearing loss can install the application on their laptop equipped with a web cam and wireless Internet connection. When they are communicating or listening to people who do not know sign language, they can connect to a web-based service centre where sign language interpreters are available. Using IM and video chat, the interpreter can facilitate the conversation by signing to the person with a hearing impairment and when necessary translating the sign language for the hearing person.

According to the company, IBM has also built a website for the local deaf community in Taiwan, called iSign iHear - http://www.isign-ihear.org.tw/ - providing the deaf and hearing impaired with the information they require in a format of video clips. The content of the site is designed based on user needs covering daily news, healthcare, legal service and job information.

In addition, in the section of Life Map, places the deaf often visit or stores owned by deaf people are marked to help the deaf get around in Taiwan more easily.