Deaf/hh people, need an edge on getting a job?

For folks who live in the Kansas City, Missouri area:

Are you deaf or hard of hearing and need a better competitive edge on getting a job and retain it? A job that allows you to communicate in real time with 100% communication access with your hearing boss, supervisor, co-workers and even your clients or customers without the need of a 3rd party or sign language interpreter? Is there a job service that combines face to face communication technology for deaf and hard of hearing people? sComm, the maker of the UbiDuo whose CEO and co-founder is deaf, is proud to announce a new service called UbiJobs - workforce solutions for hearing, deaf, and hard of hearing job seekers.  If you live in the Kansas City metro area give UbiJobs a try, it could change your life for the better with a better competitive edge in a tight job market.

No Communication Barrier

How is that possible? How is it possible to have 100% no communication barrier between a deaf guy and hearing people and be able to communicate in real time just like signing or talking using voice? How is it possible to have 100% communication without signing or talking? Without writing using pen and paper? Without an interpreter 24/7 following you like an unwanted 3rd shadow? Take a look at this picture and figure out how it is possible and you tell me. How can a deaf guy translate his hiking experiences and other stories as a deaf person to a bunch of hearing person using this piece of amazing communication technology?

If you want to follow Julio on his hiking quest on the Appalachian Trail click on the picture icon on the left column of this blog.

If you want to know more about the UbiDuo communication technology visit sComm, owned and operated by a deaf CEO and co-founder.

Video: Julio on the Appalachian Trail and UbiDuo

Here is our UbiDuo user, Julio Rodriguez, Appalachian Trail backpacking star who went into the Sundog store in Kent, CT to buy some new boots. In this video he explains how he is amazed how much freedom he is able to have with the hearing clerk with the UbiDuo. He shows how flawless it was for him and the clerk to cover so much ground in their conversation on the UbiDuo. In his words he stated he doesn't have to explain he is deaf anymore and can just simply say hi and flip the UbiDuo open and snap up a conversation. He repeats over and over how the UbiDuo is making his life much easier and most importantly making his Appalachian trail venture an exciting one!

The reward of unimpeded communication on the Appalachian Trail

Emma Curry is the mother of Jason Curry, CEO and co-founder of sComm, shared her thoughts with Jason and many other people in an email about Julio Rodriguez who is currently hiking on the Appalachian Trail.

On Facebook, Jason has been following the "posts" of a young man who is deaf who lives in Florida.   This young man decided to WALK the Appalachian Trail this summer from Florida to Maine.  His name is Julio Rodriguez.  As Jason watched the "posts" and saw that Julio was truly walking "alone" and missing the broad experience and fun of talking to people along the way -- Jason contacted Julio.  Jason offered to send Julio a loaner UbiDuo for the rest of his walk.   Julio was in a little tiny town.  He went to 5 businesses and asked them if they would allow an overnight mail shipment to come to their business.   4 of them refused.  The 5th one - a little tiny cafe owned by the man that Julio wrote his note to -- said:  "Sure,."   This is a picture of what happened the very afternoon that Julio picked up the UbiDuo.  

Another man -- who is hearing -- walked into the little cafe.  This man was clearly walking the trail also.  Julio started talking to him on the UbiDuo.   They decided to camp together that night and talked for 2 hours on the UbiDuo.

Now Julio is talking to lots of people that he is meeting along the Appalachian Trail.  Changed his entire trip - ultimately will change his life!!!!   He has now asked Jason if he might sell the Ubi in the South.  His Facebook posts are being read all over the United States.........

This story does make me have tears.   Takes lots of courage to be deaf......and often be isolated from everyone around you who is hearing.......but to see the difference that this Ubi makes in anyone's life brings me up straight in my seat with thankfulness.  A great device.   Good for David.   Good for Jason.

A summary of one of Julio's private texts to Jason said this:           

"So many of us who are deaf didn't even realize how hard we were making it on our lives by not taking advantage of this new tool."       

That's the difference between choosing pen and paper, gesturing, and/or lip-reading in the effort to try and get the full interactive and unimpeded communication with a hearing person that will ultimately fail each and every time. This sleek next generation UbiDuo solves that. No bluffing. No guessing. No embarrassment. Just real time conversation in a language that both people can understand and enjoy in a face to face communication environment. It's the exact same communication environment seen between two deaf persons signing to each other or two hearing persons talking to each other. But what about between a deaf and hearing person? The UbiDuo offers that real time communication environment between deaf and hearing persons.

If you have any questions about Julio Rodriguez hiking the Appalachian Trail or using the UbiDuo  please visit his personal Facebook page and ask. I'm sure he's more than happy to answer your questions.

Power of Communication at a Table.

Are you deaf? Ever had a long conversation with a hearing person who does not know how to sign? If you did, did you bluff your way through? Nodding your head pretending to understand everything he's is saying?  Or were you really more frustrated than you cared to show? Or perhaps you have the secret fear of meeting with hearing people? Ever wished you could find a better way to communicate than to bluff and get 100% communication gain instead?  It's pretty easy if you know how.

Watch this video.

NAD lacks technology coverage for deaf people

Interesting conversation I had with my wife and it made me think. So, I went over to NAD's website and looked over their technology page section "Making communication and information accessible."  There it is. "Making communication accessible." NAD pride itself as the

"...nation's premier civil rights organization of, by and for deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the United States of America."

One major civil rights issue among deaf people is to have equal communication access with their hearing peers. How can NAD be an "informed consumer advocate" if they refuse to cover easy to use face to face communication devices such as the UbiDuo, the only device that use real time typing communication via a split screen? NAD covers only assistive listening technology, hearing aids, cochlear implants, Captioning for Access, Internet Access and Broadband, movie captioning, telephones and relay services, television and closed captioning, and Video Remote Interpreting.

NAD explains that

"....people who are deaf or hard of hearing were early and eager adopters of accessible text-based communication and information systems, such as pagers, e-mail, instant messaging, and the Internet, as well as early adopters of videophones."

There are thousands of early adopters of UbiDuo users who covet the real time nature  and ease of communication (there is no"typing a response" notification where you wait for a typed response) with hearing people who do not know sign language. These deaf people who are UbiDuo users are the bulwark on paving the way helping the hearing public on recognizing their need to have immediate communication access using a communication device that allow real time typed conversation on a standard sized keyboard using common, every day language such as English.

But on the NAD technology page there is no where to be found that discusses face to face communication devices. Using NAD's search feature I typed in "UbiDuo" and found no results.   The same for "communication device" but it came up with one search result but it's not the same thing on what I'm discussing here. 

Both culturally deaf and non-culturally deaf people use the UbiDuo. It's not like no culturally deaf people use the UbiDuo. They do. And, boy, do they ever use it. But that's beside the point here. The point is that NAD claim to represent and help deaf and hard of hearing people but do not even cover a very important communication accessible technology devices such as the UbiDuo. A simple communication concept that ensures leveling the playing field using the English language, for example. NAD does not have to tote the brand name but by the mere mentioning of a "typed face to face communication device" would be sufficient enough to let deaf (and hearing) people know those types of communication devices do exist out there.

Face to face communication concerns is a Civil Rights issue (See Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division - Disability Rights Section page).  NAD needs to understand that text to text (typed) communication via a communication device is a Civil Rights issue under the ADA. Not covering it on their website, touted as the "...nation's premier civil rights organization of, by and for deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the United States of America," would be a sin.

NAD, do the right thing and help deaf people become more aware of other kinds of communication technologies that exist in the United States.

Winner announced in mystery photo contest

Congrats to Pamela Siebert Maelzer who gave the closest and best answer. The mystery photo below had many people guessing.

And what was the answer to the mystery photo?

The mystery photo is a part of a barn door in the newly remodeled lobby of the sComm headquarters in Raytown, Missouri. The barn doors lead you to the next door space with 5,000 sq feet of additional space for the expansion of sComm. Those barn doors came from somewhere out in the country at some salvage yard. The doors are believed to be over 100 years old. A carpenter was hired to rebuild the barn doors and customize it for the sComm lobby. sComm is focused on doing things in a creative way as we do with face-to-face communication.

Pamela wins a $10 Starbucks gift card.

If you want the chance to participate in more games for more prizes go to sComm Facebook page and click on the "Like" button so you can get the latest contest announcement.

Privacy or No Privacy...that is the question.

Ah, sign language interpreters can be great to have around and they do have a code of ethics regarding confidentiality on discussions between lawyers and their clients,or between doctors, nurses or dentists and their deaf patients. But sometimes that's not enough for some deaf people when all they want is to have absolute privacy without the need for a 3rd person tagging along and listening in on all of the intimate details which can get awkward. They want the full and accessible face to face conversation in real time and not worry about the lack of privacy or trust issues. How is this possible? The answer is surprisingly simple and there is a choice on this matter, too. For example, in some centers like the St. Luke's Women's Center in Missouri they offer opportunities to allow deaf patients or clients use their UbiDuo Face to Face communication device to have private, in depth conversations with their doctor or nurse and not miss a beat. Sure beats writing boring short sentences with pen and paper. And to boot all conversations using UbiDuo are automatically saved for future reference, too. So, if one is available on the counter at your doctor's or dentist's office, why not go ahead and use it. It's certainly better to relish the complete independence and privacy than to rely constantly on a third person, your sign language interpreter, in every facet of your life when the alternative is already available.

There are a variety of circumstances when the use of an interpreter would be appropriate, at other times circumstances would dictate the need for privacy or the emergency use of the UbiDuo Face-to-Face communication device like getting a doctor's appointment at the last minute when getting an interpreter would have been impossible within 24 hours. Why delay an appointment just because an interpreter is not available? I'm sure you get the picture by now. Is it privacy you want? Is it the convenience? Is it the real time conversation with the ability to record you want? Look no further than using the UbiDuo, the only patented real time face to face communication device on the market today.

Noah Buchholz's Journey: Part 4 and 5 series

Lots of surprises on daring to communicate in the most effective way with hearing people. Part 4 Part 5

sComm ships largest order

sComm has made history by delivering its largest order of UbiDuo communication devices to more than 1,250 Social Security Administration (SSA) field offices around the United States.

These communication devices will enable Social Security staff to interact directly and immediately with clients who are deaf or hard of hearing who walk into SSA office for assistance to discuss their SSI/SSDI benefits. Rather than using paper and pen or waiting for a sign language interpreter to arrive, the staff can turn on the UbiDuo and within seconds begin engaging a conversation with the client. This portable communication tool can be carried anywhere within an office, and its self-powered battery provides power when electrical outlets are not available.

The UbiDuo has a full-size keyboard and screen on each half. Communication is instant, with text showing on both halves as soon as it’s typed, there’s no delay like with instant messaging programs.

Its speed and ease-of-use will enable Social Security staff to better meet the needs of its clients who are deaf, hard of hearing, or other communication challenges. For example, clients who can hear but have difficulty speaking because of a tracheotomy or a stroke can use the UbiDuo.

Below are additional photos of UbiDuo communication devices at the sComm warehouse prior to delivery and on day of delivery. Photos are exclusive for Kokonut Pundit blogsite.

sComm is the engineer and manufacturer of the UbiDuo communication device. sComm is a privately-held company in Raytown, MO. The company was founded in 2005. The idea of the UbiDuo was born out of frustration when father and son were trying to interact with each other face-to-face over breakfast at a restaurant. sComm stands for "simultaneous communications." Face-to-Face Communication solution offers fast and direct communication for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing

The solution...

Have a hearing loss? Deaf? Hard of hearing? Don't know sign? Have a hard time mingling with hearing people? Watch this video and figure out how another way of doing face to face communication can be done.



The answer is simple. Even Noah Buchholz knows the answer. But the bigger question is how willing will deaf or hearing people take the time to sit down and have a genuine face to face conversation? Or will people continue to reject others simply because they cannot hear well or do not know sign?

Learn to let go of the status quo.

A journey starts with a single keystroke

This video of Noah Buchholz is part one of many of his series documenting his use of the UbiDuo face-to-face communication device at Princeton Theological Seminary. In his first interview he described how it has empowered him to communicate with hearing people at any time he wanted to. He provided some valuable insight on how it has helped him communicate with hearing people wherever he went. This led him to make new friends and made his education easier along the way. So, come on in, have a spell, and watch Noah Buchholz's journey, Part I.

Meeting halfway....

I don't really get it when you have people who make the claim on how easy it is to set up an electronic face to face communication method such as using one or two laptops or tablets to communicate with a hearing person but do deaf people really take advantage of that technology? Instead I think many deaf people would rather opt out for a paper and pen situation in a family, social setting and make excuses for using such a method. From Deaf Echo one commenter gave an example of that of the pen and paper limitation.

I brought a bunch of notepads and pens to a family Thanksgiving dinner once and at the start of the evening, politely informed everyone that I didn't want to miss anything, so would they please write to me? I got two messages the entire night (both from the same distant cousin). One was "How is school?" and the other was some other statement I don't remember anymore. Very superficial. I responded in voice... was perfectly willing to meet everyone halfway... didn't happen. That was the last big family gathering like that that I ever attended. No bitterness or anger... I just stopped going. The burden of communication shouldn't be only on the deaf person. It should be shared by everyone, especially by those who profess to love that deaf person the most (his or her family). If that's not going to happen, especially if the deaf person in question directly ASKS for that, then there's no point in keeping up with pretenses. Just my view on it.

Using the paper and pen route isn't exactly an ideal way to communicate effectively, especially in this day and age of communication technology, with your family members and not have real conversations using one liners which makes the whole conversation a tedious and boring process.  Not a very engaging and interactive way of communicating.  For example, read what Richard Hurst, Clois James, and Ashleigh Smith had to say when they took advantage of an existing communication technology in social settings with their family members using a face to face communication device.

If a technology exist that makes face to face communication possible, regardless what that device is,  then why not take advantage of that technology instead of using the boring pen and paper method? Using such a technology can certainly help make conversations that much more engaging. Hearing people or non-sign language users would be much more apt to converse using a face to face communication technology than the old pen and paper method.

Multiple disabilities in a down economy

If you think just being deaf and trying to find work in a down economy imagine for deaf individuals with multiple disabilities like Marty Wheeler of Kalispell, Montana. In addition to him being deaf he was born with cerebral palsy where he must use a cane to help him walk and if you think that's bad his glaucoma is severe enough to have him classified as legally blind. But the one thing I think sets him apart from others is his drive and determination to be independent as possible.

“I’m good with details,” Wheeler said. “I’ve got a good eye for it.”

Doney said he has the additional challenge of reading the handwriting and drawings of many different appraisers, including some who no longer work at the Department of Revenue.

“It’s fun for me,” Wheeler said. “It’s a good challenge.”

Doney found her concerns about communication were unfounded since Wheeler possesses a high level of lip reading and UbiDuo skills. She said he seems to understand even before they finish speaking.

He also doesn’t get frustrated or bogged down in spite of the complexity of some of the work.

“Marty is probably the most patient person I’ve ever seen,” Doney said.

New technology such as email and social media have made a huge difference for Wheeler and other people with disabilities.

Roberts said that Facebook has helped Wheeler with office socializing. She said he and his co-workers can interact online and by email as well as in person.

“Through these things, he can create the interoffice relationships that hearing people take for granted,” Roberts said.

The biggest boon among people with hearing loss is the improvement in technology in both the communication and social aspect. Not only that but the increased level of independence with the help of technology whether it's the use of the internet, emails, face to face communication, video phone, CART, hearing aids, cochlear implants, relay operators and so on. Marty has a triple whammy to deal with but does so with ease.  He is keen on taking advantage of every possible technological innovations to help him communicate rather than rely on a sign language interpreter all the time. Proving his communication independence will only serve him better for his future.

Which is better? UbiDuo, a laptop or a tablet for face to face communication?

Watch this funny yet instrumental video and decide which technology is better for easy to use face to face communication between deaf and hearing people.

"Being your best advocate"

That was a phrase coined by Stephen Hopson, who is deaf and became the first deaf person in aviation history to earn an instrument-rated pilot's license, spoke as a commencement speaker in front of the graduating high school class at Clarke School in Northampton. He told students that his life and accomplishments were proof that you "have to be your own best advocate."

Stephen Hopson, the first deaf person in aviation history to earn an instrument-rated pilot's license, told students that they had to stand up for themselves and ignore naysayers in order to succeed.

"If you do, your life will change and your life will change other people's lives. You have that power," he said.

Hopson, who was born deaf, also had a successful career as a Wall Street stockbroker and is now a writer and inspirational speaker.

And that's true. There will be naysayers who will attempt to detract your efforts  by negatively saying what you do will not work or succeed, especially against deaf people such as those in the global microbrand business. Jason Curry, CEO of sComm, is an example of that by "being your best advocate." He believed in his vision that a new product of his will help deaf and hard of hearing people communicate better with hearing people without the need of a sign language interpreter. And he did exactly that by designing a patented communication face-to-face device called "UbiDuo" which made its debut on April 22, 2006 after starting up his business in 2002. Most new businesses fail within 5 years but in the face of a downturn economy Jason's business continues to thrive and grow only because he became his own best advocate. That is key on ensuring success along with drive and focused determination. If you believe then you can succeed.