With high speed internet, a laptop with webcam, or a videophone
device, videophone communication has become a highly desirable
communication option for people who use sign language to communicate
instead of the traditional text telephone.

With an estimated 100,000 - 200,000 videophone units currently in use
by sign language users and widespread availability of laptops with
built-in webcams, videophones are used to communicate directly with
other people in sign language, and to communicate with hearing people
through the use of a video relay service where a video interpreter
translates from sign to spoken language.

Communicating and seeing each other on video presents additional
considerations that many people do not realize. For example, a
videophone user sitting in front of a brightly sun-lit window can make
it difficult for the other videophone user to see the person on video.
A Deaf411 announcer, during the “Make Videophone calls like a Champ”
report, outlines key areas that should be considered to maximize
successful videophone conversations. This information is helpful for
not only the first-time videophone user but for others who wish to
improve the quality of videophone conversations.

“Make Videophone calls like a Champ” is produced by Deaf411, a
marketing and public relations company and sponsored by LifeLinks, a
video relay service provider based in New York City. The “Deaf Living
Solutions” series reports on topics that deaf and hard of hearing
people face in everyday living situations. “Things that hearing people
take for granted may pose additional challenges for a consumer who is
deaf or hard of hearing,” the Deaf411 representative explains.

The “Make Videophone calls like a Champ” video report, information
about the Deaf Living Solutions series and Deaf411 is available at
http://www.deaf411online.com/vp53.html