3G has revolutionized Gum Anders Andersson's life. Deaf since the age of 10, video telephony gives Andersson the chance to converse through sign language, making communication not only easier but mobile.
Being able to use the video phone to communicate through sign language has enabled Gum Anders Andersson to communicate in a much simpler way.
Andersson starts the day with a video call to his daughter Yessica, who is also deaf. Being able to use video phones to communicate through sign language has enabled the pair to communicate in a much simpler way. Previously, they would have had to rely on text messages. Both Andersson and his daughter's friends have 3G phones.
"Video telephony is much better because it eliminates confusion and also avoids the difficulties faced by many deaf people who also have dyslexia, and therefore problems conversing in text," Andersson says.
On his morning walk with dog Doris, Andersson remembers to call his wife Liv, a teacher at the nearby school for deaf students and interpreters, to ask whether he can meet her for lunch. If possible, Andersson places his 3G phone on a stable surface so he can use both hands to talk, but when that is not possible he is very good at getting the message across single-handedly, making him truly mobile.
Back home again, Andersson starts working on a film about the WISDOM project, which uses 3G technologies to provide a mobile video telecommunication service platform for deaf people. The film highlights how important video telephony is, whether in an emergency situation or needing an interpreter to buy a car. The Swedish Government recently initiated a pilot for a new service called "interpreter in your pocket", which gives deaf people access to interpreters through video phones. The film follows Andersson's 2002 collaboration with operator 3, which resulted in the operator offering deaf and hearing impaired people free use of its 3G services.
Prefer the 3G phone
Andersson sometimes uses his fixed-line ISDN service to make a "picture phonecall" to arrange an appointment with an interpreter service. He is thinking about canceling the subscription because it is quite expensive and limited to his home.
"I prefer my 3G phone, especially when I am communicating with others who can use sign language," Andersson says. "The video phone helps me manage my work for the Swedish National Association of the Deaf, my consultant business. But I would like the picture transferring to be faster and to be able to plug in a bigger screen. Also on my wishlist is a voice-mail service that includes sign language."
Having arranged earlier to meet for lunch, Andersson arrives at his wife's school for their meal. Andersson is actively involved in the school, is a member of the board, assisted in planning its construction and even finds time to occasionally teach social science.
Smooth transaction
Also interested in local affairs, Andersson has been devoted to politics at a municipal level for several years. After a meeting at the local government offices, Andersson heads off to buy new spectacles. Using his 3G phone, he contacts his wife, who acts as an interpreter during the session at the optician. Not only does the transaction go smoothly, but the conversation allows her to offer advice on what glasses her husband should buy.
Andersson finishes the day the way he started, with a phone call to his daughter.
"I always give her a ring before I leave home to let her know I am on my way. Video telephony means that I can support her in a much better way, as she goes to a deaf school that is three hours away from her family."
