GA, SK

The new way to ask questions at the Maryland State Law Library

With roughly 242,000 Marylanders with a serious hearing disability and nearly 52,000 Marylanders with a serious speech disability, tasks that most people take for granted, such as asking for information from a librarian, can become a serious barrier for others. However, the Maryland State Law Library is addressing just this concern by installing the new Telesonic Communications System for the Hearing and Speech Impaired.

At the library's ribbon cutting ceremony on November 15, 2001, Michael Miller, law library director, introduced the new computer system to an audience of citizens, press, and organization representatives.

D.

Court of Appeals Chief Judge Robert M. Bell and Telesonic Inc. President Leonard Blackshear cut the ribbon over the newly Telesonic-linked computer in celebration.
Blackshear's goal for the new system is to provide "equivalent access" to all library patrons.

D.

Leonard Blackshear, left, takes part in the new Telesonic Communication System celebration as Judge Robert Bell prepares to cut the ribbon.

The Telesonic system is a computer program which allows anyone who is deaf / hard of hearing or speech impaired to communicate, via the computer, with a reference librarian. Telesonic, unlike a chat system, is designed not only to work from computer to computer but also TTY to computer. Callers use the library number, 410-260-1571, or the toll free number, 1-877-233-3871, from their computer or a TTY telephone, and type their question. A flashing phone will appear on the reference librarians' computer, where the librarian can type a reply. It will also beep on the computer that is being called to make the librarian aware of the call. With two computers in the library linked to the system as well, library patrons with hearing and speech disabilities will find it much easier to communicate questions and concerns. When in use, both computers show the full conversation as each of the parties' types. Traditional typing prompts used by the deaf and hard of hearing community are used in this system as well, such as "ga" for "go ahead," and "sk" for "stop keying." Furthermore, the system has built in privacy features, allowing the library patron to ask for legal information without needing to go through an intermediary. Telesonic will also take messages after library hours, and direct callers to various menus for more information. "Deaf people have choices now," stated Patsy Bowman, the deaf liaison for the Governor's Office for Individuals with Disabilities.

D.

Patsy Bowman, the Deaf Liaison for the Governor's Office for Individuals with Disabilities, tries out the new system during the demonstration while her interpreter stands by.

With over 28 million Americans who are considered deaf or hard of hearing, the Maryland State Law library is proud to be the first state law library in the nation to install and provide any such system. And as the Telesonic communication system's popularity grows, not only will Marylanders, but others as well, be able to access information free of intermediaries.

Although the system may not be used in large numbers, providing it helps a few patrons communicate vital questions while breaking down communication barriers, it will undoubtedly prove a success.

D. An up-close look at the Telesonic Communication System.