deaf technology accessibility

[alexmatheson]

isigner.com

www.telestream.net

www.livecaptionapp.com

www.enco.com

[lmiddleton]

I don't know if this is where I should post this but I could not find another area to do so. I love General Conference. I love the closed caption because I cannot always understand the spoken words. I have cochlear implants in both ears. I would not be able to hear anything without them. I am sure I am not the only person that depends on closed captioning to "hear" the words of our general authorities. BYU TV did not close caption so I then switched to Gospel Stream. Over and over prior to the session it stated that this was the churches closed captioning station. I was so happy. Half way through the Sunday morning session and continuing to the Sunday PM session the closed captioning quit working. Without it I have a very hard time understanding those with a foreign accent. So disappointing. Yes I will go over them again and read their words. We are instructed to listen to the words and the spirit will direct us to those things that answer our questions and tell us those things we need to work on. I can't help wondering if there were inspirations I missed because I couldn't hear (read) their words at that time. I also know that not all stakes and wards use the FM system in classes and meetings where they are carrying on a discussion. Too many members think they can speak loud enough for all to hear. This is not true. I don't know if it is possible to address these things but it would surely be a blessing to the hearing impaired.
[personal contact information removed]
P.S. My ward and stake do use the FM system. I try and advocate for the hearing impaired where ever I can.

[russellhltn]

I haven't looked at Gospel Stream, but broadcast.churchofjesuschrist.org has captioning.

Now that it's over, conference can also be found at gc.churchofjesuschrist.org. But the Sunday morning session doesn't have captioning.

[Waterlog]

I am the High Counciler of our stake over technology in our buildings I also don't think it is a coincidence that my wife is deaf (has one good hearing aid, in process of cochlear implants) and I'm trying desperately to help her as well as others with similar situations where there are those with so many challenges of feeling a part of our meetings because of inability to hear and carry on conversations. lmiddleton you described Exactly what my sweetheart faces every Sunday in our meetings, if they don't zoom the RS and Sunday school meetings she leaves to listen to conference and other things that have close captioning. I was asked about a "Loop Hearing system" and many are asking if the church can install these in the building. I'm also looking into a "sensory room" in the building where those with these and other challenges can go to hear, participate and view the meetings... Our stake president has tasked me to do what is necessary to aid individuals in many different aspects of technology for our building. I need some resources to begin this effort, any thoughts where I should start? PM group, I know they could be a resource, is there a SLC technology phone number I can call to speak with someone to get this going in the right direction.

[russellhltn]

All chapels had a 72MHz assistive listening system installed. Receivers were handed over, but likely became displaced over time. I'd start searching the library and clerk's office.

The church is piloting a new system, Listen WiFi that allows members to use their own Wi-Fi enabled phones, or optional receivers. Both types of receivers are compatible with neck loops.

In my experience, 72MHz is chapel only, but the Listen WiFi tends to include other rooms that have sounds systems.

As for sensory rooms, frequently chapel audio is available in other rooms in the meetinghouse.

FM would be your resource to know what your building has, as well as getting more receivers. The STS or ward tech people may know some answers as well.

[alexmatheson1]

Gospel Library app for Google Play has Church materials, etc. in American Sign Language under Language option.

Gospel Stream app for Google Play has some in American Sign Language under language

Same for Google Stream for ROKU.

[nmecantwin73]

The FM should be able to get the necessary devices needed, if your meetinghouses do not have them. Additional information found on this page:

https://tech.churchofjesuschrist.org/wi ... Technology