Developing Deaf Radio
Though at first it might seem like an oxymoron, deaf radio may indeed be entering cars for the first time, finally giving deaf and hearing impaired individuals the similarly entertaining commute millions of auto-travelers take for granted every morning and rush hour. Though television has been available to those hard of hearing for some time, the radio medium has been largely off limits as a result of the almost entirely auditory nature of the broadcasts. Just like television offers optional caption viewing, this new development may allow for an auxiliary radio screens to display text that corresponds with radio play. The technology will feature a GPS screen for the driver, while scrolling radio text for the passenger.The product’s development is a joint effort between Towson University researchers and National Public Radio, with the hopes of opening up new streams of entertainment and information to people who have previously had no access to radio programs. Also at the forefront of researcher intentions is providing additional safety alerts and announcements to those who would otherwise have no way of being warned, including weather developments and emergency announcements. Perhaps even more exciting to many deaf members of the community is the prevailing feeling of inclusion such an advancement might allow. Unable to hear or join in on any conversations involving the radio, a heavy influence on almost any car ride, never again will a deaf individual feel left out or unable to contribute.The technology will also allow for an HD plug in device to be inserted in iPods and iPhones so that downloadable podcasts will also suddenly be within the reach of the deaf community. Hopefully deaf radio devices will be made available in 2012 if all goes according to plan, just a short ways away considering the many years of sitting shotgun in silence.
