Deaf Village Ireland
Case Study

Inclusivity, education and efficiency are at the heart of both the Bytek and Deaf Village Ireland’s ethos. Deaf Village Ireland came to us with a vision of creating a central hub that can be enjoyed by both the Deaf Community and the hearing community, in hopes of breaking down communication barriers and developing a space of inclusivity for all. This vision was brought to life with the implementation of several screens provided by Bytek. These screens are primarily in place to provide education to hearing individuals, so the DVI campus can be used by all, while respecting the Deaf Community’s space and language.

Before

After

Goals

The goal of this project was to create an equal access environment for both the Deaf community and hearing persons by educating the wider community on Deaf Awareness. Upskilling people in Irish Sign Language (ISL) will provide better opportunities and equality for the Deaf Community in Ireland. The idea of this collaboration was to use advanced digital and interactive solutions to provide this inclusivity and education to society on a wider scale. At the beginning of this project, there was hesitation from the deaf users of the café, as it was a big ask for them to allow open access to their territory. It was vital during the installation of these digital solutions that the deaf users felt respected, as we were entering their domain.

Solutions

Bytek provided visual aid solutions in the form of multiple tablet devices and a large free standing kiosk, to assist in sign language interpretation. The large kiosk is an all-in-one interactive display with an integrated Android media player. This screen stands at the entrance of the café, and offers approximately 200 video tutorials in ISL. The tablet devices are displayed throughout the café, and they operate in the same way as the kiosk. These screens allow for smart phone-like touch gestures, making it simple for users to interact with the devices.

Results

This project has created an environment that promotes integration, education and equality. Deaf Village Ireland has become a cultural epicentre centred around the unification of communities and society, regardless of individual differences. The goal to bolster and advance the scholarship of ISL in Irish society has been achieved, and will continue to flourish with the advancement of technology. As an organisation, Bytek are thrilled to have been involved.

Q&A

What are the primary goals of this initiative?

The Primary Goals of this initiative include:

Promoting Inclusivity: The foremost goal of introducing touch screen sign language instruction is to create an inclusive environment where individuals with hearing impairments feel welcomed and valued. By providing a platform for hearing customers to learn basic sign language, we aim to bridge communication gaps and promote understanding and empathy among patrons.
Empowering Individuals: Another key objective is to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills to communicate effectively with the deaf and hard of hearing community. By equipping hearing individuals with basic sign language proficiency, we enable them to engage in meaningful interactions and establish connections with a broader range of people.
Raising Awareness: Through this initiative, we seek to raise awareness about the importance of accessibility and inclusion in public spaces. By visibly demonstrating our commitment to accommodating diverse needs, we hope to inspire other businesses and organizations to implement similar initiatives and foster a more inclusive society.

In conclusion, the primary goals of introducing touch screen sign language instruction in our café are centered around promoting inclusivity, enhancing customer experience, empowering individuals, raising awareness, supporting community integration, and strengthening our brand identity. By prioritizing accessibility and embracing innovation, we aim to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

How have the screens been successful in improving communication throughout the Village?

The presence of the touch screens has raised awareness about sign language and the needs of the deaf and hard of hearing community among villagers. This heightened awareness has led to greater understanding and acceptance, reducing communication barriers and fostering inclusivity.

The touch screen technology has provided villagers, both hearing and non-hearing, with an accessible and convenient platform to learn basic sign language skills. As a result, more individuals in the village have gained proficiency in sign language, enabling them to communicate effectively with members of the deaf community.

The availability of sign language instruction screens has empowered members of the deaf community by providing them with additional avenues for communication. They no longer feel isolated or overlooked but rather valued and included in village life, leading to increased participation and engagement.

The positive outcomes observed in our village have served as a model for other communities interested in promoting accessibility and inclusivity. Our initiative has inspired neighboring villages and towns to explore similar strategies for improving communication and fostering understanding among diverse populations.

Overall, the implementation of touch screen sign language instruction screens has been highly successful in improving communication throughout the village, leading to greater inclusivity, understanding, and social cohesion among villagers.

How important is technology in the aid to increase inclusivity in the Deaf Community?

Technology plays a crucial role in increasing inclusivity in the Deaf Community by providing innovative solutions that address communication barriers and enhance accessibility. Here's why technology is important in this context:

Communication Facilitation: Technology offers various tools and platforms that facilitate communication for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. This includes text messaging, video calls, and social media platforms, which enable real-time interaction with both hearing and non-hearing individuals, regardless of physical distance.
Assistive Devices: Technological advancements have led to the development of assistive devices specifically designed to support individuals with hearing impairments. These devices include hearing aids, cochlear implants, and assistive listening devices, which help amplify sound and improve communication in various environments.
Online Learning and Training: Technology provides opportunities for online learning and training in sign language, making education more accessible to individuals interested in learning sign language or improving their proficiency. Online courses, tutorials, and interactive platforms offer flexible and convenient options for acquiring sign language skills.

4. Advocacy and Awareness: Technology serves as a powerful tool for advocacy and raising awareness about the needs and rights of the Deaf Community. Social media, websites, and online campaigns provide platforms for sharing information, advocating for policy changes, and promoting inclusivity and accessibility in various aspects of society.

Overall, technology plays a vital role in increasing inclusivity in the Deaf Community by offering communication solutions, assistive devices, accessibility services, language recognition tools, educational resources, and platforms for advocacy and awareness. By leveraging technology effectively, we can create a more inclusive society where individuals with who are Deaf can fully participate and contribute to all aspects of life.

How do the screens work?

The touch screen sign language instruction screens operate through a user-friendly interface designed to facilitate communication between hearing and non-hearing individuals. Here's a step-by-step explanation of how they work:

Interface Navigation: The touch screen interface is organized into intuitive categories, such as food and beverages, greetings, numbers, and common phrases. Each category contains a selection of

icons representing different concepts or words.

Selection Process: When a hearing person wants to learn a specific sign, they navigate through the categories using the touch screen to find the relevant icon. For example, if they want to learn the sign for "coffee," they would select the category for beverages and then tap on the icon for "coffee."

Instruction Prompt: After selecting the desired icon, the touch screen prompts the user to choose a specific item or variation within that category. In the case of "coffee," the screen might display options such as "espresso," "latte," or "cappuccino."

Video Demonstration: Once the hearing person selects their desired option (e.g., "latte"), the touch screen displays a video featuring a deaf person demonstrating the corresponding sign in sign language. The video typically shows the individual performing the sign clearly and at a pace that is easy to follow.

Learning Process: The hearing person watches the video demonstration attentively, observing the hand movements, facial expressions, and other nuances of the sign. They can pause, rewind, or replay the video as needed to practice and refine their understanding of the sign.

Interaction Opportunity: In some cases, the touch screen may offer interactive features that allow the hearing person to practice the sign themselves. This could involve a virtual mirror display where the user can mimic the sign while receiving real-time feedback on their movements.

Continued Support: The touch screen sign language instruction screens provide a comprehensive learning experience by offering additional resources and information related to sign language, deaf culture, and accessibility. Users can explore further content to deepen their understanding and appreciation of sign language.

Overall, the touch screen sign language instruction screens serve as interactive educational tools that empower hearing individuals to learn and practice sign language effectively. By combining visual demonstrations with user-friendly navigation, these screens facilitate communication and promote inclusivity within the community.

Were you satisfied throughout the implementation of this initiative that Bytek upheld the values of DVI, and that inclusivity and education were prioritized?

Bytek's professionalism, expertise, and advice have evidently contributed to the successful implementation of the initiative, ensuring that it effectively meets its goals and serves the needs of the Deaf Community.

What can the Irish people as a whole do to promote inclusivity in our ways of communication going forward?

Here are some steps that Irish people as a whole can take to foster inclusivity in communication:

Learn Sign Language: Encourage widespread learning of Irish Sign Language (ISL) across different segments of society. Providing resources and opportunities for individuals to learn ISL can facilitate better communication and understanding with members of the Deaf Community.
Raise Awareness: Increase awareness about the needs and rights of individuals with disabilities, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Educate the public about the importance of inclusive communication and the benefits of accommodating diverse communication preferences.
Create Inclusive Spaces: Create inclusive environments where individuals of all abilities feel welcomed and valued. This includes ensuring physical accessibility, providing information in multiple formats, and fostering a culture of respect and acceptance.
Promote Collaboration: Encourage collaboration and partnership between government agencies, non-profit organizations, businesses, educational institutions, and community groups to address communication barriers and promote inclusivity effectively.

By taking these steps and working together as a community, the Irish people can promote inclusivity in communication and create a more equitable and accessible society for all.