Glaser, MerylTucker, William David2013-05-152013-05-152001Glaser, M., & Tucker, W. D. (2001). Web-based telephony bridges for the deaf. South African Telecommunications Networks & Applications Conference (SATNAC), vol. 2, pp. 672–677, Wild Coast Sun, South Africa0-620-27769-6http://hdl.handle.net/10566/613A Teldem provides text-based telephony services to the deaf. Despite an array of text-based communications mechanisms on the web, the Teldem is the only means of synchronous telecommunication available to a deaf person. We examine a human-assisted relay that provides a bridge between the deaf and the hearing, and then propose several additional bridges. These bridges take advantage of both standard and cutting edge technologies. We present each bridge's impact on the deaf with respect to synchrony, connectivity, independence, and the Digital Divide. It is hoped that by deploying trials for each bridge, we can eventually provide the deaf with equal access.enCopyright Telkom. This file may be freely used for educational purposes, as long as it is not altered in any way. Acknowledgement of the authors and the source is required.Deaf telephonyInstant messagingConference Proceedings