Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Special Exposure Wednesday

Ronnie had a doctor's appointment last week, and as is often the case, the office forgot to engage an interpreter for him. We had to resort to using the DeafTalk machine. Similar to a video phone, an interpreter is contacted from a remote location. The interpreter can hear everyone in the room and can see the person at whom the camera is pointed - the Deaf person. The Deaf person can see the interpreter on the computer screen. Sounds pretty good, doesn't it.

Well, for many reasons, Ronnie does not like DeafTalk at all. But, yet another interesting turn of events happened at the doctor's office. Ronnie was on a standard size exam table. The DeafTalk machine was positioned in front of him. Only problem - the interpreter could only see Ronnie's knees.

So, here is the solution arrived at by the hospital staff - set the DeafTalk machine on a small stool and have Chip hold it during the entire appointment. And they wonder why Ronnie prefers an in-person interpreter....



Here's a closer look at how the DeafTalk is precariously balanced on the stool...



Be sure to check out all the other Special Exposure Wednesday shots at 5 Minutes For Special Needs!

5 comments:

Unknown said...

It does seem like a great machine, but I can understand why Ronnie doesn't like it. Sorry things went badly.

Beverly said...

seems like a great little machine. hope for a better visit next time

Alison said...

Seems like a precarious position for a potentially expensive piece of equipment! I hope they get an interpreter next time. Funny how with all our technological advancements, some times it is the human factor that counts.

The Henrys said...

Hopefully the doctor's office will remember that the next time you have an appointment and won't forget to do what he needs!

ISABEL D. said...

i am hard of hearing..many crzy hospital nyc for 2 st luke hospital and one nyr downtown hospital for ER don't have Deaftalk( VIR ) Machine nothing :/ sorry..many hospital and clinic alldoctor and nuree ar HEARING :((((((((( DANG....IT NICE MACHINE OTHER COUNTRY...