Government

Sony Helps Hospitals with Disability Compliance

Deaf Talk, LLC and Sony Electronics are collaborating on program aimed at helping hospital emergency rooms effectively bridge the communications gap with hearing-impaired individuals by providing access to on-demand American Sign Language (ASL) video interpreting services.

Using Sony's IPELA PSC-TL30 all-in-one compact video conferencing system, emergency room personnel can have round-the-clock access to a DeafTalk interpreter who can relay the patient's symptoms to hospital staff. In addition to reducing delays in diagnosis or treatment, an important factor when a few minutes can sometimes mean the difference between life and death, the program also makes it easier for hospitals to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires hospitals and physicians to provide an ASL interpreter upon request for a hearing-impaired patient.

"Throughout much of the United States, the availability of on-site or agency ASL interpreters can be limited and video interpreting is often the best solution," said Robert W. Fisher, President, DT Interpreting and Deaf Talk, LLC. "There is no replacement for an on-site ASL interpreter, however visual communications provides the next best alternative, offering a user-friendly, practical accommodation that addresses a range of vital healthcare needs."

The technology of the Sony PCS-TL30 is particularly well-suited to this video interpreting program for hospitals. The compact size of the unit means that it can be quickly and easily moved from room to room (for example, from emergency room to post-op). Additionally, the system's easy-to-use interface means that staff throughout the hospital can operate the system with minimal learning curve.

The DeafTalk system, featuring Sony's IPELA PSC-TL30 videoconferencing product, is currently in use at more than 300 hospitals across the United States.

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