SBIR-STTR Award

The Baudot TTY or TDD is the most common "text telephone" used by the deaf in the U.S. The TTY is largely incompatible with new and emerging communications systems such as web browsers, e-mail and voice mail systems, wireless networks, and Internet chat and messaging protocols. In the proposed R&D NXi will develop server level technology designed for centralized locations in a communications infrastructure, i.e., the approach will be one of creating servers which can link to both TTYs and diverse communications systems. On the client side, Java "freeware" will be developed for web browsers. Service bureaus, relay services, and other communications companies such as two way paging services will be able to extend and link to the technology developed to provide new services to the deaf, as well as provide access to previously incompatible communications systems. In the proposed R&D NXi will build on its existing high density TTY modem hardware and network technology. The Phase I R&D will demonstrate that a coordinated approach of centralized servers together with customized end user software can solve many problems in the field of deaf communications. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: Recent federal law mandates equal communications access for the deaf or speech impaired, if such access is "readily achievable" and not an "undue burden". The goal of the proposed R&D is to make TDD access and services readily achievable by creating an infrastructure of communication servers and the technology should find acceptance.

Thesaurus Terms:
computer network, computer system design /evaluation, computer system hardware, deaf aid, telecommunication Internet, computer center, computer human interaction, computer program /software, online computer

The Baudot TTY or TDD is the most common "text telephone" used by the deaf. The TTY is largely incompatible with existing communications systems, and this serves to isolate the deaf. Many organizations would like to improve access for the deaf, but adding analog phone lines and TTY hardware is expensive, complex, and difficult to maintain. The proposed research will create a "text telephone network" of centralized communications servers which can make adding TTY accessibility as simple as ordering any telephone service. In the proposed system T1 phone lines and TTY hardware will exist off-site in a communications infrastructure. A simple software program on the desk top can "TTY enable" any, or every, person within an organization. The proposed R&D will also create "gateways" between TTYs and modem devices. For example, in the Phase I work a gateway was created which allows any browser user to call a TTY. Additional gateways between TTYs and two-way alpha pagers, PDAs, WAP phones, email, and automated voice systems will also be developed. If modern communications systems become linked to TTYs, then this should provide a migration path for the deaf to use these more modem devices. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION: In April 2000 the Justice Department issued a report starting that the GSA should investigate putting TTY accessibility on every federal employee's desk top. Pieces of the proposed technology are already installed in pilot sites at federal agencies and other organizations.

Thesaurus Terms:
computer network, computer system design /evaluation, computer system hardware, deaf aid, telecommunication Internet, assistive device /technology, computer center, computer human interaction, computer program /software, online computer