VA DEAF BIKERS

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The number of languages used on the International Space Station has recently increased. In addition to those spoken in the 15 countries that have had representatives aboard the space station, American Sign Language, or ASL, is now included. NASA astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson has sent a message in ASL from the station to the deaf community.

In the video, Caldwell Dyson answered several questions about living and working aboard the station and how she became interested in sign language.

"I am truly grateful for this opportunity on behalf of the deaf community and the multitudes of students who will benefit from seeing their language spoken in space," Caldwell Dyson said. "It is my hope that this video will help inspire our next generation of scientists and explorers."

As NASA's missions advance beyond Earth's orbit, the agency will continue its efforts to highlight its diverse workforce. NASA strives to assist the next generation of researchers to gain access to science-related fields.

Caldwell Dyson will work on several other videos targeted to users of ASL. When the videos are completed, they will be posted on the agency's website at: http://www.nasa.gov

CSD contract could bring 60 jobs

Grant to help deaf use technology

Nearly $15 million contract for Sioux Falls-based Communication Service for the Deaf will create 60 new jobs here and help improve technology use for an estimated 200,000 deaf and hard of hearing individuals across the United States.

CSD announced Tuesday it has been awarded a $14.9 million contract during the next two years with the Department of Commerce which will enable the company to implement a nationwide marketing initiative called Project Endeavor aimed at improving access to technology such as broadband and videophones to populations of deaf and hard of hearing.

Rick Norris, CSD director of communications, said goals of the project include education on how best to use broadband and the Internet, as well as help getting broadband and computers into the homes of those who need them. Depending on income levels, hearing-impaired customers might be able to receive Internet connectivity at a subsidized price.

"Individuals will be able to access (online) things like video-relay services, video-interpreting services and other programs that might help benefit their communication needs," Norris said. "The overall goal is to improve broadband access for the deaf and hard of hearing community and to make sure that that digital divide is not something that has to be a barrier and they have the opportunity to have full benefit of that."

Project Endeavor also will include providing public-access video phones at places such as libraries, vocational rehabilitation offices, social security offices and schools. The phones have a video screen and keyboard but also can make traditional phone calls.

CSD expects to add 60 new staff to its contact center in Sioux Falls for voice, text and video-enabled call support. Most of them will need proficiency in sign language.

"These are very specified positions in the sense that they are going to have to have signing proficiency," Norris said. "So that if a deaf person logs on or connects not just via text, but they call into our call center via video, that they'll be able to instantly have a conversation."

http://www.c-s-d.org/Home.aspx

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