Improved Communication in the Workplace for People Who Are Deaf
David Hoffman has worked at Costco for seven years. During those years, he has been promoted six times. Recently, he has moved from a part-time position to a full-time position as a gas attendant.
In part, David credits advanced technology such as Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) and the ASL Anywhere APP for these promotions and improved communication at work. David is Deaf and uses American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate. VRI is video telecommunication using any iPhone, Android, or iPad/Smart tablet and a sign language interpreter. VRI allows communication access to still take place when interpreters within commuting distance of a person’s location are unavailable. The ASL Anywhere APP takes one click to connect and offers affordable per-minute pricing for pre-scheduled appointments or last-minute requests.
With the technology available, David can express himself more clearly and feel like, “part of the team” at work. For people who are Deaf, difficulty communicating is not about their education level or their understanding; it is about using a different language, ASL. David shares, “Communication is really important. I am trying to break down barriers by sharing my story about the technology that is now available.”
