The Future of Telecom: Enabling the deaf and hearing to communicate
with each other.
North Haven, CT, August 15, 2001 - SignTel, Inc. introduced today
the Signtel Interpreter: the most advanced communications tool that enables direct communication between hearing and deaf
persons. For the first time, a unique, cutting edge technology enables viewing on the screen, seamless signing in real-time,
translated from text or captured voice.
Artificial intelligence, complex lexical analysis and over 30,000 recognizable words
and phrases make the Signtel Interpreter a powerful translation tool from text or speech to sign language. It can be housed
on most laptops or desktop computers.
This new patented technology will revolutionize communication with the 20 million
deaf and hard of hearing persons in the United States in schools, hospitals, police stations, libraries, hotels, retail and
businesses.
SignTel has received solid reviews from the successfully completed six months of
Beta testing that preceded today's release.
"Products such as SignTel's are creating opportunities for people with hearing disabilities
that were unthinkable just a few years ago", says Mark Urban, of the International Center for Disability Resources on the
Internet who is also the Vice Chair, National Committee on Information Technology Standards. Furthermore, according to Mark
Urban, "This type of technology
will provide a cost-effective method for making presentations and multimedia training
accessible, whether it is in the classroom or the boardroom".
"We are gratified by the beta testers positive embrace of the Signtel Interpreter,
and are excited by their response. We envision this technology to become the standard in communication between the hearing
and deaf and an integral part of every educational and service organization in the
country. By integrating it into existing
products and technological advances, companies both comply with the government regulations, and can also make a difference
to individuals who need communication assistance", said Ron Liebermann, President and CEO of SignTel.
SignTel, Inc., headquartered in North Haven, Connecticut, develops communication
technologies for the deaf and hard of hearing. SignTel is a major employer of deaf and hard of hearing individuals and currently
employs about 70 such individuals, several of whom are deaf-blind or deaf low vision, spanning 25 states.
The Signtel Interpreter is demonstrated and featured in lectures today and tomorrow
at the ADA Working Group convention in Orlando, Florida. For more information, visit the Company's Web site at www.signtelinc.com or call 203-248-0600.
