Please Leave Your Message: Telephone Not Necessary


By Kathryn L. Schmitz,
Senior public information specialist
Division of Public Affairs
National Technical Institute for the Deaf
Rochester Institute of Technology
One Lomb Memorial Dr.
Rochester, NY 14623
Email: kls43441@ritvax.bitnet


Liberation from the telephone probably is the greatest gift of computer networks to deaf people (and perhaps others as well). Computer networks connect every user, deaf or hearing. The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), with its population of deaf and hearing students, faculty, and staff members, has an excellent computer network, the VAX system, which consists of six mainframe computers linked together.

The VAX system offers deaf and hearing colleagues a variety of communication modes that do not involve the telephone: electronic mail (e-mail), VAX Notes, and VAX Phone. Sharron Metevier Webster, systems analyst in the department of information services of the National Technical Institute of the Deaf (NTID), one of the nine colleges of RIT, is a daily user of the VAX system.

"The VAX system is wonderful," says Webster, "because it makes us all equal and helps me do my job right without having to depend on a co-worker or the New York Relay Center (NYRC) to make the call for me."

Like Webster, Dr. Gerard Buckley, chairperson of NTID's summer career exploratory programs and outreach development department, is deaf. However, their work environment still is communication-accessible even though few RIT offices beyond NTID are equipped with telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDDs), which many deaf people use to communicate via the telephone. Eliminating the need for specialized telephone equipment, the VAX system connects thousands of deaf and hearing faculty and staff members and students to one another on campus as well as to countless other computer users around the country via BITNET/Internet.

Electronic mail probably is the most popular communication feature on the VAX system. E-mail enables people to write and send letters, memos, and other information on the computer without ever handling a piece of paper. E-mail users can read and reply to their mail at their leisure, using their time efficiently and avoiding telephone tag. Buckley, who must communicate regularly with more than 25 colleagues individually and in groups, is an enthusiastic user of e-mail. "It's a good way of communicating," he says, "because I can notify several people at the same time."

He points out that this technology is useful outside of RIT because it can be implemented in many employers' computer networks". Many companies eager to hire deaf individuals are concerned about communication," he says. "E-mail represents an opportunity for these companies to take advantage of technology that allows deaf professionals to participate in the mainstream of the business world."

Buckley also uses VAX Phone whenever possible. VAX Phone is a feature that enables up to six users to "converse" simultaneously on the terminal screen; the screen is split horizontally by the number of users, and each user can read what the others type. "If we can get large numbers of professionals to use VAX Phone," says Buckley, "access for deaf professionals on campus will be greatly enhanced." Webster also frequently uses VAX Phone, but points out that for successful contact, both parties must be logged onto the VAX system at the time a call is initiated. "Not everyone uses the VAX system regularly or often," says Webster, "so in emergencies, I would use the telephone."

Another VAX feature that enables users to read what others type, though not simultaneously, is VAX Notes, an electronic bulletin board. VAX Notes is a collection of individual conferences, each discussing different topics ranging from American politics to deaf culture to philosophy to women's issues. Readers can review and reply to notes posted by others at their leisure, disseminating information and stimulating discussion. "Deaf people tend to be the last to get information," says Webster. "VAX Notes can provide fair access to information for everyone, and it's a good way to bring people together and clarify issues."

"I think our challenge is to remain innovative and creative," adds Buckley. "We should share how we use this technology to create new and exciting opportunities for deaf people."

I began working at RIT two years ago as a Senior Public Affairs Specialist for NTID which requires me to contact hearing and hearing impaired people around campus and elsewhere. Before that time I never had the opportunity to enjoy the resources available through computer networking. Being deaf myself, I also can't use the telephone without either a TDD or the help of another person. Since hooking up with RIT's VAX system, I have become much more independent and self-sufficient in doing my work.

Along with Buckley and Webster, I encourage everyone, deaf and hearing, to use electronic mail and bulletin board systems as a fair way of communicating and sharing resources with all.