Human Aids to Communication

Human aids to communication are invaluable in improving the quality of life for the deaf and hard of hearing.  Without them and of course the various items of specially designed and tweaked technology the hearing impaired would experience a far greater isolation from society and on social occasions.

Mainly human aids to communication come in two forms; the first is a set of dedicated individuals who have trained tirelessly in the art of palantype or stenography.  They can type in short hand simultaneously with a speaker during events such as conferences to then project what they are saying to the hard of hearing.

Alternatively human aids to communication can be seen interpreting on TV where a figure in the corner follows the conversation on screen and translates it into sign language.  Translators also attend social functions with the deaf and translate on a smaller scale to palantypists or stenographers.  To find out about becoming a human aid to communication, try looking at the websites of charities to see how you can help.