Sorenson related for a deaf not Deaf (ASL) person

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SBirn

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I just went to a deaf (Deaf) and HoH center. Sorenson VP was recommended. HOWEVER, I went on their website and their requirement is that the user (moi) must
use ASL. I do not and it's a little uh ... advanced to expect a HoH to know
ASL even though I know it happens. I can sign some ASL and did many years ago. Now ... it's just over my head and way too fast.

Any suggestions? In a fantasy world, I'd use a Sorenson that used CC :) . The reason this is important, while we have the internet and email, I have family who only uses the phone due to their own illnesses.

My partner takes long drives now and then. She used to call me if she got lost and I'd mapquest for her. Now, we have to figure out a way to work around this. Texting is not part of any answer.

Remember, we're older people (old chicks), so money is spent but not for smart phones - that's way too expensive. Now a motorcycle ... :) I'm even careful with that - it was reasonably cheap and on her bucket list (she got one, too). We all have our vices. Oh, yeah, when I bought my bike, I didn't predict a doggone CI in my immediate future.

This is messy...

Thanks, gang,
-- Sheri
 
Have you check with sorenson about your ASL skill. It never hurt to ask and let them know you are learning ASL and have friends who are ASL users (if you dont have one but keep saying, have ASL friends, so you can have VP). Im sure that you will pick up ASL fast through VP with someone who signs as well. good luck.
 
This is mostly for communicating with hearing people? How about Skype? It's free and you only need a high speed internet.

You can pay extra to have it be a phone too if you need it that way.
 
Wow I never knew that you must know ASL in order to get Sorenson. I use English sign language. I'm sure that counts. I grew up using English Signs and so did my friends.
 
Frisky and Botts thanks and my response

Frisky Feline said:
Have you check with sorenson about your ASL skill. It never hurt to ask and let them know you are learning ASL and have friends who are ASL users (if you dont have one but keep saying, have ASL friends, so you can have VP). Im sure that you will pick up ASL fast through VP with someone who signs as well. good luck.
Click to expand...
FF, thanks for your confidence in me but ASL and I do not get along. The grammatical structure is so opposite of English that it throws me. I'm also pretty bad these days at learning new stuff (old stuff doesn't throw me like getting on a motorcycle after six years of not being on one and just taking off) but ASL ... nope. That's why Shiner (our local singing dance/interpreter) asked me at least twice if I was sure I wanted to learn ASL :) . It's too confusing.

Botts:
Yes, Skype has caught up enough so there's no lag anymore and I can also use AIM (FF - these are relatively old/new tools for me but they're computer-related so this sort of thing I can always figure out). But it doesn't help with my partner is on the road and needs to call home for something.

So, I'm still stuck and have faith you'll think of something :) !!!

What's really weird is back @1990, my company was working on voice recognition software (that's over 20 years ago) and while it exists, it's very limited. I knew a dude who hopped ship within the company to work on voice recognition - we were both working on the next generation of GIS - because VP, man, you can't beat that. But we're still in the dark ages with it. See, then you could use Skype or AIM non-deaf to deaf. In essence, it would create closed caption. But it doesn't exist.
 
I just looked at the requirements again

MangaReader said:
Wow I never knew that you must know ASL in order to get Sorenson. I use English sign language. I'm sure that counts. I grew up using English Signs and so did my friends.
Click to expand...
This is funny. I can quote the source. It's on their website. But may not be correct. I did try to find a way to contact them. NOW I WILL find that way (it's buried but I know I can cheat) to get through to them. Thanks. I'll let you know what happens.

Here's the quote, though:

Application Requirements:


  • Must be deaf or hard-of-hearing
  • Must use American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate
You need to know ASL because that's what their interpreters use . (I got in touch with them.) They may as in m a y be able to use SEE, which is a pain in the caboose. It seemed to be used as a last-ditch attempt to allow use of their software. So, back at you - who uses English - your friends calling you and Sorenson relays in English? Sorry, I may sound stupid but the more despret I get, the stupider my questions may become :) !
 
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SBirn said:
My partner takes long drives now and then. She used to call me if she got lost and I'd mapquest for her. Now, we have to figure out a way to work around this. Texting is not part of any answer.

Remember, we're older people (old chicks), so money is spent but not for smart phones - that's way too expensive. Now a motorcycle ... :) I'm even careful with that - it was reasonably cheap and on her bucket list (she got one, too). We all have our vices. Oh, yeah, when I bought my bike, I didn't predict a doggone CI in my immediate future.

This is messy...

Thanks, gang,
-- Sheri
Click to expand...

I have just left on the part I want to refer to from quoting you and added some bold.

I am not sure who you get your cell service from. AT&T has just really improved their level of service where I live. So . . . I switched to a MVNO the uses their towers. That meant a different phone. By watching ads I found a ZTE Z992 also known as the AT&T Avail 2 on sale at Family Dollar for $59.25 plus sales tax. Even their regular price is $79.00. Since then I have seen some specials for even less. It is admittedly a low end Android phone. But it has Android 4.1.1 on it and in a 3G or faster area handles simultaneous voice & data that is needed for Hamilton Mobile CapTel just fine. Because I don't like virtual keyboards I looked around for a bluetooth one and found a small one for only about another $11.00 delivered from Amazon.

Rather than go into how mobile CapTel works here is a link to their web site: Hamilton CapTel: Smartphone: Android

There is another version of CapTel for mobile phones — Wireless CapTel by Sprint which even though it is by Sprint is not limited to use on Sprint. It uses VOIP so this is what their site says: "The Wireless CapTel by Sprint app requires a network connection with high enough bandwidth and low enough latency to reliably process a voice-over-IP call. It is highly recommended that use of this app be done in conjunction with connection through a 4G or Wi-Fi network. Attempting to use a 3G connection is not recommended." When it first went live they were saying it works with 3G. I tried it with a Verizon MVNO in a 3G area and the people I called kept telling me that my voice was constantly cutting out. In a desperate situation it would really help but not for regular use. Their site is at: Wireless CapTel by Sprint | Sprint CapTel

At 71 you probably think of me as another "old chick" but I am also willing to answer any questions I can. But, I don't know what they are until you ask!
 
I also know someone (an older woman) who signs in English and uses VP (I'm almost certain it's sorenson). She actually sort of talks and signs at the same time and relies on people either hearing her or reading her lips and watching her signing, and between all that she gets her message across. One time she called me using relay - of course the terps couldn't hear her, and I could hear them hurriedly confering about what she was trying to say while one of them voiced. But it seems they managed to figure it out well enough.

I think there are actually alot of people out there who just say they use ASL, and really they're somewhere on a huge spectrum that runs between ASL and English. If this woman can use the service, I'm sure any dhh person who signs at all can.
 
amylynne said:
...I think there are actually alot of people out there who just say they use ASL, and really they're somewhere on a huge spectrum that runs between ASL and English....
Click to expand...
Absolutely.

Also, any interpreter worth his or her salt is going to be able to communicate on that spectrum. Sometimes it takes a minute to adjust to the caller's signing style but it can be done, no problem.
 
SBirn said:
This is funny. I can quote the source. It's on their website. But may not be correct. I did try to find a way to contact them. NOW I WILL find that way (it's buried but I know I can cheat) to get through to them. Thanks. I'll let you know what happens.

Here's the quote, though:

Application Requirements:


  • Must be deaf or hard-of-hearing
  • Must use American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate
You need to know ASL because that's what their interpreters use . (I got in touch with them.) They may as in m a y be able to use SEE, which is a pain in the caboose. It seemed to be used as a last-ditch attempt to allow use of their software. So, back at you - who uses English - your friends calling you and Sorenson relays in English? Sorry, I may sound stupid but the more despret I get, the stupider my questions may become :) !
Click to expand...

Sorenson has interpreters who don't know ASL well, so you will be fine signing in English. :D
 
Jane B. said:
...Rather than go into how mobile CapTel works here is a link to their web site: Hamilton CapTel: Smartphone: Android

There is another version of CapTel for mobile phones — Wireless CapTel by Sprint which even though it is by Sprint is not limited to use on Sprint. It uses VOIP so this is what their site says: "The Wireless CapTel by Sprint app requires a network connection with high enough bandwidth and low enough latency to reliably process a voice-over-IP call. It is highly recommended that use of this app be done in conjunction with connection through a 4G or Wi-Fi network. Attempting to use a 3G connection is not recommended." When it first went live they were saying it works with 3G. I tried it with a Verizon MVNO in a 3G area and the people I called kept telling me that my voice was constantly cutting out. In a desperate situation it would really help but not for regular use. Their site is at: Wireless CapTel by Sprint | Sprint CapTel

At 71 you probably think of me as another "old chick" but I am also willing to answer any questions I can. But, I don't know what they are until you ask!
Click to expand...
Good options.

In our state, deaf people can get free CapTel and other equipment and services. ASL is not required.

SCEDP | product guide

I don't know if every state has an equivalent program.
 
Reba said:
Good options.

In our state, deaf people can get free CapTel and other equipment and services. ASL is not required.

SCEDP | product guide

I don't know if every state has an equivalent program.
Click to expand...

My understanding is that the Illinois program is for landline equipment only and that is because they do not get any funding from the cell providers. You can use the regular state relay service though if you have your own TTY that is capable of connecting to a cell phone.

Reba: Just looked at your link and it seems all the equipment yours offers is also for landlines.
 
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Jane B. said:
My understanding is that the Illinois program is for landline equipment only and that is because they do not get any funding from the cell providers. You can use the regular state relay service though if you have your own TTY that is capable of connecting to a cell phone.

Reba: Just looked at your link and it seems all the equipment yours offers is also for landlines.
Click to expand...
Yes, those were for landline phones. I thought it was SBirn's partner making mobile calls to SBirn's home, which could be landline. But if SBirn needs a mobile device, that would be different.

For a biker, a smart phone that also functions as a GPS would be ideal but I understand the expense situation.
 
SBirn said:
I just went to a deaf (Deaf) and HoH center. Sorenson VP was recommended. HOWEVER, I went on their website and their requirement is that the user (moi) must
use ASL. I do not and it's a little uh ... advanced to expect a HoH to know
ASL even though I know it happens. I can sign some ASL and did many years ago. Now ... it's just over my head and way too fast.

Any suggestions? In a fantasy world, I'd use a Sorenson that used CC :) . The reason this is important, while we have the internet and email, I have family who only uses the phone due to their own illnesses.

My partner takes long drives now and then. She used to call me if she got lost and I'd mapquest for her. Now, we have to figure out a way to work around this. Texting is not part of any answer.

Remember, we're older people (old chicks), so money is spent but not for smart phones - that's way too expensive. Now a motorcycle ... :) I'm even careful with that - it was reasonably cheap and on her bucket list (she got one, too). We all have our vices. Oh, yeah, when I bought my bike, I didn't predict a doggone CI in my immediate future.

This is messy...

Thanks, gang,
-- Sheri
Click to expand...

Have you considered any of the following:

Sprint Relay

IP-Relay

ConvoIM for AIM

These are all relay services, and free to use. Just a thought.
 
The IP relay sucks soooooooo bad!!!!! I've tried a few times and it's laughable. I've actually had more than one operator type *talking too fast*
 
ambrosia said:
The IP relay sucks soooooooo bad!!!!! I've tried a few times and it's laughable. I've actually had more than one operator type *talking too fast*
Click to expand...

Think about the machine gun delivery that some people have when speaking. Then also think of trying the keep up with that when typing on a keyboard. Thus, you will get "talking too fast" from any relay service.

Personally I do not want text relay! I have talked all my life and want VCO!!! I have a feeling that with the OP also being late deafened she does too.
 
Reba said:
Yes, those were for landline phones. I thought it was SBirn's partner making mobile calls to SBirn's home, which could be landline. But if SBirn needs a mobile device, that would be different.

For a biker, a smart phone that also functions as a GPS would be ideal but I understand the expense situation.
Click to expand...

I have NOT tried it but get the impression that the problems with the lower end (at least on Android OS) phones come when trying to have a lot of apps and many of them active at the same time. It might not be very expensive at all to have just GPS running without being on a very expensive top of the line phone. Also, many MVNOs offer less costly service that the big 4 (ATT, Verizon, etc.) but use their native towers.
 
(Jane, thanks for your note. You're right on.) My partner makes cellphone calls here on the road to the landline. :) I've learned, no matter how young or old, people are incredibly helpful even in NY and while a little scary can make due without a smartphone.

I think this would be a more serious situation if I lived alone, hated computers, and my parents were alive. I've found workarounds in critical situations. I nabbed a neighbor once when I recognized what could have been an important message. Rand came right over and wrote what he heard. So, if I need to live without a phone that's what I will do. Sounds creepy but ya take what life hands you.
 
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